It was all music, dance, laughter and colourful costumes at the first ever Selangor International Indigenous Arts Festival 2015 recently. Organised by the State of Selangor and supported by Tourism Selangor, the fair was held on the grounds of the Taman Botani Negara Shah Alam on Saturday 22 August and Sunday 23 August 2015.

The event showcased, as the main highlight, multiple colourful music and dance performances from the ethnic peoples of Selangor, Kelantan, Pahang, Sarawak, Sabah and Perak, as well as indigenous performers from the Philippines.

Dancing performance by Ulu Sarawak Indigenous People

Ladies from Mahmeri tribe, Selangor

A musical performance from the Temiar tribe of Kelantan

There were also exhibits, a cultural night and a carnival where various arts and handicraft were displayed, creating much curiosity and interest. Demonstrations of hunting traps, weaving and community cooking were held on the grounds of the park, allowing visitors to gain an understanding of the daily life of the tribes, and even get the chance to sample the organic diet of the various tribes.

The celebration was meant to give the public a glimpse into the rich, layered heritage of Malaysia’s ethnic populations, through the exhibits, performances and art.

Committee of Tourism, Environment, Green Technology and Consumer Affairs Chairman Standing Elizabeth Wong officiated the opening ceremony and remarked that: “Better understanding of the cultures provides a wonderful opportunity to appreciate the uniqueness and diversity in our state and country.”

Committee of Tourism, Environment, Green Technology and Consumer Affairs Chairman Standing Elizabeth Wong (left) officiated the event

The event was one of the highlights in the state tourism calendar of events and Visit Selangor Year 2015, and successfully gave the indigenous people the platform to promote their culture to the public of Selangor.