Wednesday 16 May 2012

The 19th Regatta Lepa, Semporna

One of the best times to visit Semporna is in April, when the annual Regatta Lepa is held. The 19th Regatta Lepa this year was held between 20 - 22 April, and we were glad to be able to witness it again (after our first experience last year - do read my blog entry of  17th December 2011).

The Regatta Lepa 'celebrates the proud heritage and unique lifestyle of the Bajau community'.  The waterfront is the venue of the Regatta and a procession of colourfully decorated lepas compete for the 'most beautiful' title. The water festival also showcases other activities such as boat tug of war contests, and boat/kayak races. This year there was also an interesting mock 'pirate kidnap and police rescue' operation.

Two lepas await in the bay (CNB 2012)

More lepas in the bay (CNB 2012)

The flotilla of lepas sail in to be judged (CNB 2012)

A colourful lepa sails in (CNB 2012)

More colourful lepas (CNB 2012)

Red and yellow seem to be the favourite  colours (CNB 2012)

An Igal dancer performs to the music of the kulintangan
 on board a lepa (CNB 2012)

Sambulayangs topped by parasols (CNB 2012)

The Lepas that have won 1st, 2nd and 3rd places (CNB 2012)

The boat race (CNB 2012)

The kayak race (CNB 2012)

The women's boat race (CNB 2012)

The boat tug-of war (CNB 2012)

The pirates have struck & the police go into action (CNB 2012)

The Regatta Lepa is not just a water festival, in fact the whole town of Semporna has a carnival atmosphere, what with the various concerts staged, and so many stalls set up to promote or sell products and services to the population and visitors that have certainly swelled manifold.

Ratu Lepa contest on Malam Maglami Lami (CNB 2012)

Bajau Igal dancers in their colourful costumes (CNB 2011)

Bajau 'playboy' in a colourful wig - popular
during the Regatta Lepa carnival (CNB 2012) 

'Peace', 'Pistol' & Pink candy floss - children
 love carnivals alright! (CNB 2012)
20-22 April 2012

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