Last weekend we had dragon boats. This weekend it's been the turn of the traditional longboats.

They have a worthy pedigree, these races, having been started in the 19th century as a means to promote a form of inter-ethnic competition that didn't involve violence.

And the Sarawak Regatta is by far the biggest festivity to hit Kuching since we've been here. Tents and stalls have mushroomed on both sides of the river, selling a dizzying array of food, drinks, and crafts.

On Friday we watched some practices:




On Saturday the river was busier than we've ever seen it. Longboats, boats towing longboats to the start, spectator boats, marshal boats, police boats, rescue boats...





We watched one of the races. It's quite a sight, as the boats jockey for position going into the curve of the river:




Today, we didn't watch any racing, having a long list of jobs waiting for us at home. But we finished off our walk with a turn along the river, watching the preparations for another race, the setting up of the stalls (as Nigel says, where does all the ICE come from?), and the gathering of the crowds. It is obvious that the Regatta brings people in from far and wide.

May it continue to promote harmony...



POSTSCRIPT 4 November

The Sarawak Land and Survey Department won the coveted title of "Raja Sungai" (King of the River) in the big race yesterday. Sounds like it was an exciting affair.