Borneo Cultural Festival, abbreviated as BCF, is an annual festival of food, music, and dance that places a focus on cultural diversity of Borneo. The festival is held in Sibu, one of the major towns in the state of Sarawak, Malaysia, and was first organised in 2002. The festival regularly takes place in July, and is organised by the Sibu Municipal Council (SMC).[2]
History
BCF was originally known as Pesta Sibu before going through several name changes, such as Millennium Celebration and Borneo Tribal Extravaganza.[3] Since 2005, BCF is held by Sibu Municipal Council (SMC) in July every year at Sibu Town Square, for a period of 10 days. It is a celebration of traditional music, dances, contests, beauty pageant,[4] food stalls, fun fairs, and product exhibitions. There are 3 separate stages for Iban, Chinese, and Malay performances.[5][6] It draws around 20,000 people every year.[7][8] Besides cultural performances, Kumang Borneo Dayak Cultural Festival- a traditional beauty pageant- are held at the Dayak stage of BCF.[9] Beginning 2023 edition, an International Night will be added on top of three traditional signature nights, namely Chinese Night, Malay/Melanau Night and Dayak Night.[10]
Hiatus
BCF was stopped briefly in 2011 before it was resumed in 2012.[11][12] The festival also went on a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021.[13]
Event
View of Sibu Town Square, where the festival is traditionally held.
Historically, the venue of the main event will be held in Sibu town square so as the trade fair and the exhibition will be held on the second phase of the town square. Usually the main town square which is located next to Wisma Sanyan will be utilised by the stages and food stalls.
^Sibu Sarawak, Borneo Cultural Festival. "Borneo Cultural Festival". Sarawak tourism. Archived from the original on 9 October 2016. Retrieved 28 February 2016.
