Mwaka Kogwa, Annual celebration

It is the 19th of July, the beginning of the Mwaka Kogwa celebration.

This is a 4-day celebration but it has been shortened considerably because of the holy month when normally, no entertainment is allowed.

Usually, the 4-day celebration includes feasts, stalls of food, clothing and toys- but this year, only the 'fight' was included.

Huge crowds gathered at an open field to watch the 'fight' between the north and south participants of the village. Two young men started to wallop each other with banana stems/sticks, and then two more joined in.  Soon, everyone joined and there were over 300 men hitting each other.

It is believed that since everyone has had a chance to fight,and vent any hard feelings, there will be no future conflicts in the town in the coming year. Past year's misunderstandings and disagreements are exorcised and the new year can be started with a clean slate and in harmony.

We watched in total amazement. 

The highlight of the event was when a hut made of palm leaves was constructed, a witch doctor walked in and the hut was set on fire. The witch doctor then had to make his escape and he did! He always does!