LAWAS – The 39th Irau Aco Festival has once again highlighted the importance of cultural preservation and community unity, drawing thousands of participants and visitors to Lawas.
Deputy Premier of Sarawak, Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan, officiated the event and described Irau Aco as a distinctive cultural celebration that embodies the identity of the Lun Bawang community.
He stressed that the festival must be safeguarded and passed down to younger generations to ensure its continuity.
He noted that Sarawak’s harmony, where people of diverse races, religions, and cultures live together in peace and mutual respect, is a valuable asset that should be cherished. The festival, he said, reflects this spirit of unity and inclusivity.
Organised by the Lawas Onion Association, the four-day festival began on 2 July and concludes on 5 July. It attracted around 5,000 participants and visitors from the Lun Bawang community across Lawas, Sabah, Brunei Darussalam, and Indonesia.
With the theme “Preserving Tradition, Inspiring Generations”, this year’s edition saw strong participation from younger members of the community, underscoring efforts to sustain and dignify Lun Bawang cultural heritage.
The festival featured a wide range of activities, including the Ruran Ulung and Padan Liu Burung competitions, which are traditional beauty pageants for Lun Bawang women and men.
Other highlights included folk sports, music contests, and cooking competitions, all of which added vibrancy to the celebration.
Datuk Amar Awang Tengah also spoke about the Sarawak Onion Association Development Plan 2026–2030, describing it as a strategic framework to ensure the association remains relevant and resilient in facing future challenges.
Beyond cultural preservation, Irau Aco plays a significant role in fostering friendships, strengthening community ties, and supporting the tourism sector.
The influx of visitors from neighbouring regions contributes to the local economy, while the festival itself serves as a platform to showcase Sarawak’s rich cultural diversity.
Lawas Member of Parliament Dato Henry Sum Agong was also present at the event, alongside community leaders and guests.
Their attendance reflected the strong support for initiatives that celebrate heritage while promoting unity and economic growth.
The Irau Aco Festival continues to stand as a symbol of pride for the Lun Bawang community and a reminder of the importance of cultural traditions in shaping Sarawak’s identity.
