Global traditions shine in National Costume Race at Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta 2024

KUCHING (Oct 26): The National Costume Race 12’s category of the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta 2024 has brought a vibrant blend of competition and cultural flair to the Sarawak River, transforming the Waterfront into a lively cultural showcase today.

Teams from Japan, Canada, Ireland, Thailand, Malaysia, and beyond have come together, creating a melting pot of diverse traditions and national pride.

Spectators enjoyed a colourful array of costumes, from the intricate feathered headdresses worn by Southeast Asian teams to the ornate silk robes of East Asian groups.

The Japanese team sported traditional ‘hachimaki’ headbands, while the Canadian team made a striking appearance in outfits resembling the Red Serge – a ceremonial dress uniform of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Sarawak, too, highlighted its rich cultural heritage of different ethnic groups in the state.

The Pink Warrior Sarawak team proudly displayed their traditional costumes, with their drummer at the bow dressed in the iconic Melanau attire.

Participants also wore traditional Iban, Orang Ulu and Bidayuh costumes, bringing the unique cultures of Sarawak to the international event.

However, it was Team Almaty Dragons from Kazakhstan that captured the crowd’s attention.

Clad in simple yet elegant cream-colored tunics, the team displayed a seamless blend of tradition and power, rowing their way to a well-earned victory.

This year, the Sarawak International Dragon Boat Regatta features a total of eight competitive categories, including the International Premier Open 20’s, International Premier Mix 20’s, International Premier Open 12’s, International Premier Mix 12’s, International Premier Women 12’s, and the International Masters Open 12’s.