On the 16th of September, Malaysia will celebrate Malaysia Day, which is when the Malaysian federation was established and marked the joining of Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak. It is also a celebration of when Sarawak and Sabah saw its independence from the British.
The Sarawak Regatta, which is held annually, will be part of a series of events and celebrations leading up to Malaysia Day on the 16th of September. According to history, warring tribes would fight one another to the death over territory, pride and historical enmity. To divert this forceful energy from violence, the colonial authorities created a river race of war boats or longboats, and made it an event of peace. And that is how the Sarawak Regatta was born.
An annual affair in the month of September, the Sarawak Regatta attracts more than 6,000 paddlers who compete for the title of ‘Raja Sungai’ (River King) and bragging rights till the next race. This year, the Sarawak Regatta will feature a Dragon Boat Exhibition Race with participation from Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Indonesia and Brunei. Come 7th to 8th September 2013, expect to see the Sarawak River brimmed with longboats, traditional war-boats, water-taxis, dragon boats, modern kayaks, rowboats of all colours, make and design, all for one purpose – to race each other in the name of unity and fun.
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