Borneo Native Festival (BNF) is an annual cultural festival held in Malaysia since 2022. The festival is organised by the Kuala Lumpur Arts Enthusiasts Association (Sukaseni) to promote the diversity of the culture in East Malaysia.
It is held in Central Market, Kuala Lumpur annually, while in 2026, Dayabumi Complex has become another venue of the event.
Background
The organizers stated that the establishment of the festival was motivated by the presence of a significant Sarawakian and Sabahan community in Kuala Lumpur. The event was created to promote Bornean cultural products, including textiles, rattan crafts, food, and beverages, while also introducing aspects of the Kaamatan and Gawai Dayak celebration to the broader Malaysian public. While the festival is held on dates which approaches these two celebrations, it is also reported that the festival is incorporating the element of Regatta Lepa and Pesta Kaul.
Apart from promoting these products, the festival promotes Bornean music through performances by artists from Sabah and Sarawak. Programmes featured at the event include traditional indigenous music like sape' and dance as well as contemporary musical performances, reflecting the diversity and modern development of Bornean cultural expression.
This event also features a cultural parade showcasing traditional attires from various ethnics of Borneo which is held from Dataran Merdeka to Central Market.
Dates +YearDateRef202220-22 May202319-21 May202424-26 May202523-25 May202622-24 May
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