Annual Irau Aco Lun Bawang Returns In June!
LAWAS, 5 APRIL 2023: The annual Irau Aco Lun Bawang (Lun Bawang Festival) is returning for the 36th year and will be held from 1 until 3 June 2023 in Lawas, Sarawak. The colourful festival organised by the Lun Bawang Association of Sarawak celebrates the Lun Bawang community’s rich culture and heritage and is expected to continue the success of its previous year and attract more participants and visitors.
“Irau Aco Lun Bawang has become an iconic event in Lawas, not only celebrated by the Lun Bawang but also by the local communities here throughout the northern region. This year, we are looking to continue the good efforts of inviting our fellow tribesmen from Brunei, Sabah and Kalimantan (Indonesia) in making this year another round of success,” said Mdm Dolphina Balang, President, of Lun Bawang Association of Sarawak.
Throughout the 3 days festival, various cultural programs and sporting activities will be held which will see at least 3,000 participants involved including the opening ceremony, cultural nights, arts and cultural workshops. And to inculcate unity amongst the Lun Bawang community and invite natives of Sarawak and Sabah, modern sports are held including football, volleyball, badminton, and Zumba while community sports like tug of war and blowpipe for men and women are held. 
Dolphina added, “We are planning to ensure this festival will continue to be an important asset for the people in Lawas especially when it comes to boosting tourism and economies with visitors and tourists who are expected to come to witness this joyous festival.”
For the year 2023, Irau Aco Lun Bawang will be carrying the same theme from last year which is ‘Culture Inspires Unity’ in the hope that throughout the festival and the activities held the Lun Bawang community will be united in celebrating this festival together with all visitors who are expected to join this year. To ensure its success, Irau Aco Lun Bawang is supported by Sarawak Tourism Board, Limbang Resident Office, Lawas District Office and Limbang Tourism Task Force Group.
Highlights for this year’s edition are the art and cultural workshops showcasing traditional music, Lun Bawang motives, beading and traditional attire making, essential in the quest for cultural preservation and legacy. Visitors can expect to immerse themselves in the different colours, sounds and delicacies of the Lun
Bawang with activities such as various cultural performances, bamboo band and gong performances, traditional food fest, exhibition and bazaar.
“This year, the anticipation and expectation is higher after the success of the festival last year. To make this happen, we are welcoming strategic sponsors and partners to execute and make all plans to happen. The Association along with the organising committee will also expand into a digital and social savvy approach to attract the younger audience,” said Mr Jude Benjamin Lisa, Organizing Chairman, Irau Aco Lun Bawang 2023. 
Irau Aco Lun Bawang will not go missing with the annual highlight for the anticipated Ruran Ulung and Padan Liu Burung, a competition for the annual search of Lun Bawang best in pageantry for the ladies and warrior contest for the men. Last year’s Ruran Ulung winner Kelly Raywyn Cahill from Kuala Lumpur became the first Eurasian winner in 35 years of history (Kelly is a Lun Bawang mixed Australian parentage) while Jhonson Elson from Lawas Damit was awarded as Padan Liu Burung. Both will be present to crown their respective successors where cash prizes worth RM20,000 are up for grab this year for winners. Enrollment to participate is now open to Lun Bawang descent and register here by 30 April 2023.
For more information and highlights, follow Irau Acun Lun Bawang on Facebook and Instagram. For sponsorship and partnership inquiries, contact Jude Benjamin at 017 877 3871.
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