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On July 22, Sarawakians all over the world come together to celebrate their homeland on Sarawak Day. This day marks the formation of the Malaysian state of Sarawak in 1963, when it joined the Federation of Malaya, Singapore and Sabah to form Malaysia. It is a time for Sarawakians to honor their cultural heritage and traditions, as well as reflect on their journey as a state. From its diverse landscapes and rich biodiversity to its vibrant multicultural society, there is so much to be proud of on this special day. So let's join in the festivities and show our love for this beautiful land!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1963</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Formation of Sarawak</div><div class='timeline-text'>On July 22, Sarawak joined the Federation of Malaya, Singapore, and Sabah to form Malaysia, marking the birth of the Malaysian state of Sarawak.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1976</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Self-Governance Achieved</div><div class='timeline-text'>Sarawak gained self-governance from Britain, symbolising a significant step towards complete autonomy and independence.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Start of Sarawak Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Sarawak officialised July 22 as Sarawak Day, marking a special day for Sarawakians to celebrate their homeland and honour their heritage and traditions.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2017</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Statewide Public Holiday</div><div class='timeline-text'>Sarawak Day was declared a statewide public holiday for the first time, making it a day of official celebrations throughout Sarawak.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Digital Sarawak Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Sarawak Day celebrations transitioned to digital platforms, honoring tradition and fostering connection amidst the crisis.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Explore Sarawak's cuisine</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Sarawak is known for its diverse and delicious food. Take this opportunity to try out different local dishes and explore the unique flavors of Sarawak.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Visit Sarawak's cultural villages</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Sarawak is home to many indigenous tribes with rich cultural traditions. Visit one of the cultural villages to learn more about their way of life and participate in traditional activities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Join a Sarawak Day parade</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities in Sarawak hold parades and celebrations on Sarawak Day. Join in on the fun and be a part of the vibrant festivities.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about Sarawak's history</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Sarawak has a rich and interesting history. Take some time to visit museums and historical sites to learn more about the state's past.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Plant a tree in Sarawak</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>In conjunction with Sarawak Day, many organizations organize tree planting activities. Join in and do your part in preserving the state's beautiful natural environment.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebrates the independence of Sarawak</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Sarawak Day is a celebration of the day when Sarawak gained its independence from British colonial rule in 1963. It commemorates the courageous efforts and sacrifices of the people of Sarawak in fighting for their freedom.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Preserves culture and heritage</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Sarawak Day also serves as a reminder of the diverse cultures and traditions that make up the state. It is an important opportunity to showcase and preserve traditional dances, music, food, and customs.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes unity and solidarity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Sarawak Day brings people from different backgrounds together to celebrate as one united community. It promotes harmony, understanding, and respect among various ethnic groups and strengthens the bond between them.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Sarawak Independence Referendum Took Place in 1962</h3><p class='facts-content'>Before joining Malaysia, a United Nations team conducted a referendum known as the Cobbold Commission in 1962, which eventually led to Sarawak attaining its independence.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Sarawak Day is Also Known as Sarawak Independence Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>Though the official name is Sarawak Day, it is locally referred to as Sarawak Independence Day celebrating not only the formation of Sarawak, but also its liberation from the British rule.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The First Time Sarawak Day Was Made a Public Holiday was in 2016</h3><p class='facts-content'>Despite its historical significance, Sarawak Day was recognised and marked as a public holiday in Sarawak only relatively recently, since 2016.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Sarawak's Rich Cultural Diversity is Celebrated on Sarawak Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>With almost 27 ethnic groups each with their own language and traditions, Sarawak Day celebrations often include performances from each group showcasing their unique culture.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Sarawak Day Marks the End of the "White Rajah" Rule</h3><p class='facts-content'>The day not only celebrates its independence from Britain, but also the end of 100 years of rule by the White Rajahs or Brooke Dynasty, and the beginning of its journey towards self-determination and autonomy.</p></div></div>
Sarawak Day is celebrated on July 22 every year. In 2024 Sarawak Day will occur on a Monday.
2023
Jul 22
Saturday
2024
Jul 22
Monday
2025
Jul 22
Tuesday
2026
Jul 22
Wednesday
2027
Jul 22
Thursday
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