Kaamatan Festival Day 2027, School Holiday & Public Holiday Dates

The date of Kaamatan Festival 2027, Kaamatan Festival celebrations, school holidays and public holidays, reminds us that Kaamatan Festival (Kadazandusun Language: Tadau Kaamatan) is a rice harvest festival celebrated in Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan.

The Kaamatan Festival, also known as the Harvest Festival, is a deeply rooted cultural celebration preserved for generations by the Kadazan-Dusun and other indigenous communities in the state of Sabah, Malaysia. The Kaamatan Festival is a lively two-day celebration filled with tradition, music, dance and thanksgiving for the bountiful rice harvest.

This festival is unique to Sabah and is a highlight of the state's cultural calendar, attracting locals as well as tourists.

Kaamatan Festival Date 2027

Announcement of the Official Date of the Kaamatan Festival Holiday 2027

If you refer to the 2027 federal and state public holiday schedule by kabinet.gov.my, Kaamatan Festival will be celebrated in Malaysia on:

May 30, 2027 (Sunday) – First Day of Kaamatan Festival (WP Labuan & Sabah)
May 31, 2027 (Monday) – Second Day of Kaamatan Festival (Labuan & Sabah WP)

May 2027

School Holidays in Conjunction with Kaamatan Festival Public Holiday 2027

All students in Malaysia will enjoy the Hari Pesta Kaamatan (Harvest Festival) holiday based on their school group in 2027. These dates will help students, parents, and even teachers plan their celebrations and travel arrangements effectively.

Group A

(Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu)

30 May 2027 (Sunday) – Regular school day on that day. No additional holidays.
31 May 2027 (Monday) – Regular school day on that day. No additional holidays.

Group B

(Mellaka, Johor, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Penang, Sabah, Sarawak, Selangor, WP Kuala Lumpur, WP Labuan and WP Putrajaya)

30 May 2027 (Sunday) – Normal school holiday in all states.
31 May 2027 (Monday) – School holiday in WP Labuan and Sabah only. Normal school day for other states on that day. No additional holiday.

If you plan ahead, keep in mind that the school will follow the government's public holiday schedule without additional holidays.

The Ministry of Education has not announced any special/additional arrangements for the 2027 Kaamatan Festival celebration. You can check the official KPM portal for any latest information on the academic calendar as the celebration date approaches.

Kaamatan Festival / Harvest Festival Celebration in Malaysia

The Kaamatan Festival (Kadazandusun Language -: Tadau Kaamatan) is a rice harvest festival celebrated in Sabah and the Federal Territory of Labuan. The Kaamatan Festival is a celebration of the Kadazan-Dusun heritage.

The Kaamatan Festival, also known as the Harvest Festival, is a deeply rooted cultural celebration that has been preserved for generations by the Kadazan-Dusun and other indigenous communities in the state of Sabah. The Kaamatan Festival is a lively two-day celebration filled with tradition, music, dance and thanksgiving for the bountiful rice harvest.

In the past, most of the indigenous people of Sabah were agrarian and rice farmers.

The Kaamatan Festival is an annual festival of the Kadazandusun and Murut communities in the state of Sabah in May every year, after the rice harvest. It is a sign of gratitude for the rice harvest and appreciation for traditions and cultural heritage. This festival also reflects the spirit of unity, community strength, and noble values in the community.

To celebrate the Kaamatan Festival they prepare cakes and tapai water. This festival is usually held for two consecutive nights. The first night is the 'magavau' ceremony or the worship of the spirit of rice led by the 'bobohigan' and several of his assistants. On the second night, the 'habot' ceremony, which is fermented rice, is given to the bobohigan as a sign of joy and gratitude. Guests will be entertained with the 'Sumazau' and 'Megalang' dances while drinking tapai water.

Here are some important points about the Kaamatan Festival:

Kaamatan Festival / Harvest Festival: Kaamatan is a festival that marks the end of the rice harvest season.
Symbol of Thanksgiving: The Kadazandusun and Murut communities celebrate Kaamatan as a sign of gratitude to the spirit of the rice (Bambaazon) and God, Kinoingan.
Cultural Heritage: This festival is also a platform to preserve and maintain the traditions and customs of the Kadazandusun and Murut communities.
Activities: The Kaamatan Festival involves various activities such as the Sumazau dance, the Unduk Ngadau (beauty queen) competition, cultural competitions, and delicious ethnic food dishes.
Spirit of Unity: The Kaamatan Festival also serves as a stage to strengthen the spirit of unity and harmony among the multicultural community in Sabah.

The Kaamatan Festival celebration reflects a deep respect for nature, the land, the harvest, the spirit of rice and the traditions of ancestors to preserve the lives of the people/humans.

In other words, the Kaamatan Festival is not just a celebration, but also reflects the identity, heritage, and spirit of unity of the Sabah community.

The Kaamatan Festival is unique to Sabah and is a highlight of the state's cultural calendar, attracting locals and tourists alike.

A beauty pageant with deep cultural meaning, Unduk Ngadau symbolizes the spirit of Huminodun and is one of the most anticipated events.

In some rural areas, traditional rituals such as Magavau are carried out to increase the spirit of the rice and ensure harmony.

Cultural Performances : Villages and districts organize traditional dances such as Sumazau, music using gong ensembles, storytelling and ethnic fashion parades.
Tapai and Traditional Food : Tapai (fermented rice wine), hinava (raw fish salad), bambangan, and other local foods are enjoyed during the gathering.
Traditional Sports and Games : Contests such as arm wrestling, blowgun competitions and traditional wrestling (Sumo style) are part of the festival fun.
Preserving Indigenous Heritage : The Kaamatan Festival promotes awareness and preservation of Sabah's native language, customs and beliefs.
Promoting Community Unity: This festival brings together people from all backgrounds, uniting villages, districts, and families for shared joy.
The Kaamatan Festival attracts domestic and international tourists, showcases Sabah's unique identity and enhances local crafts and agriculture.

Kaamatan Festival Dates by Year

2025 May 30 Friday & 31 Saturday
2026 May 30 Saturday & 31 Sunday
2027 May 30 Sunday & 31 Monday

Kaamatan Festival Day is always celebrated on May 30 & 31 in Sabah and is a public holiday in the state.

Residents can attend the Local Kaamatan Fair – District-level celebrations begin a few weeks before the official date.
Unduk Ngadau Competition – Witness a graceful blend of tradition and modernity – participants represent the pride of their respective regions.
Traditional Food and Drink – Taste Sabahan dishes and rice wine during open houses or food stalls at the festival grounds.
Cultural Activities – Join in on the dancing, watch a craft-making demo, or experience live traditional music.

Kaamatan Festival Day highlights the richness of Malaysia's indigenous heritage and strengthens national appreciation for East Malaysian culture.

As the younger generation reconnects with their roots, Kaamatan plays a vital role in strengthening cultural continuity.