AS the Gawai celebration on June 1 approaches, Sarawakians are busy making preparations, with families celebrating in their own ways while balancing tradition, family time and current economic challenges.
For 28-year-old Jessica Laura Kinsela, an administrative staff at a furniture shop in Sibu, this year’s preparations began earlier than usual, marking a shift from her family’s typical last-minute rush.
She said planning started as early as April to ensure everything would be ready in time for the celebration.
“So far, everything is going well. We started preparing early this year because in previous years we always left things to the last minute.
“This year is different for my family. I decided to buy new clothes for everyone for Gawai 2026,” she told Sarawak Tribune.
Jessica said preparations for their open house are already about 50 per cent complete, with her family currently busy cleaning and organising their home.
“We are still cleaning and getting the house ready because Gawai is coming soon,” she added.
As usual, she will return to her hometown in Tanjung Penasu, Sibu, to celebrate Gawai with her family.
“This year, I will be celebrating in my village with my family,” she said.
On spending, Jessica said the family is sharing costs and working together to ensure all preparations are completed smoothly.
“We all contribute equally so that everything needed for Gawai is prepared,” she said.
Meanwhile, 28-year-old assistant engineer Welliasandra Gelau said her family has opted for a more modest celebration this year in light of rising living costs.
Unlike previous years, they have decided not to purchase new outfits, focusing instead on essentials.
“This year, we are celebrating more simply. We did not buy new clothes because we feel it is not necessary. We still keep our Iban traditions, but in moderation,” she said.
She added that preparations were done earlier, with essential items bought about two weeks in advance to avoid last-minute stress.
Welliasandra also shared that her family will be celebrating Gawai in Kuching this year, unlike last year when they returned to Kapit.
“This year, we will be visiting friends’ homes in Kuching together as a family,” she said.
She added that spending has been reduced this year due to rising prices, with the focus only on essential items while still maintaining the spirit of the festival.
Meanwhile, 29-year-old analytics engineer Mac Harryson Langge said he plans to wear his old Gawai outfit this year despite it fitting a little tighter now.
“I’ll still wear my old Gawai clothes. Old outfit, but a new Gawai spirit for 2026,” he said.
Mac said he has yet to purchase items for the celebration but has already booked the necessary supplies in advance.
“This year, we will celebrate Gawai with family at our village. I rarely return home, so this is one of the few opportunities I have to reunite with everyone again,” he said.
Although current economic conditions call for more careful spending, Mac said he intends to spend slightly more this year as Gawai is a once-a-year celebration and one of the few occasions he gets to return home from Kuala Lumpur.
“As my parents are getting older, I want them to enjoy moments like this while they still can,” he added.
A Sarawak Tribune survey found that the festive spirit is already evident in the city, with shopping malls such as The Spring Shopping Mall adorned with Gawai-themed decorations that add colour and excitement ahead of the celebration. The lively atmosphere was further enhanced by various booths and cultural performances.
