Togo: Official opening of the Evala traditional wrestling festival this Saturday 13 July 2024 in Kara

The traditional initiatory wrestling contests in Kabyè land always evoke a spectacular atmosphere of festivity before, during, and after the clashes between different coalitions engaged in combat within the arenas.

This was evident during the preliminary rounds starting on Saturday, July 13th, at the EPP Kagnalada field.

During these traditional wrestling events in Kabyè country, young male and female dancers, singers, and flutists organize early in the morning to announce the event through their rhythmic movements around the arenas.

Today, at the EPP Kagnalada field where the official opening of the traditional wrestling took place, these men and women, mostly bare-chested with bodies adorned in shea butter or clay, and equipped with castanets, horns, gongs, flutes, or bells, and wearing raffia palm hats, captivated the audience with their performances for over three hours before the matches began with the arrival of the head of state.

The well-choreographed movements of these performers garnered admiration from spectators lining the perimeter and inside the arena, alongside dignitaries and custodians of customs comfortably seated under parasols or traditional shelters to witness these vibrant festivities firsthand.

This festive ambiance provided an opportunity for local societies to offer gifts to these dignitaries and participants.

Adjacent to the arenas, various vendors displayed their wares including clothing, fabrics, and local delicacies such as pork, sausage skewers, and beef, all amidst a lively atmosphere overseen by vigilant law enforcement and security personnel.

Red Cross teams and firefighters stood ready to assist wrestlers in case of injuries, while media reporters captured every moment to ensure nothing was missed.

Chantal TAWELESSI