and towns across Africa are alive with vibrant and colourful
celebrations, honouring religion, fertility and harvest. Argungu, in
the Kebbi State in northwestern Nigeria, plays host to one of the
world's most craziest festivals – and probably one of the most unusual
cultural events you're ever likely to witness.
BRIEF HISTORY OF THE FESTIVAL
The Argungu fishing festival began in 1934 - and was used to mark
peace between the former Sokoto Caliphate and the people of Argungu in
Kebbi Kingdom. The two empires had fought for centuries, and
hostilities only ceased with the arrival of the British.
The Argungu Fishing Festival is an annual four day festival in
north-western Nigerian state of Kebbi. The 2008 Argungu Fishing
Festival was planned for March 12 - 16. The festival usually took
place in Argungu, the capital city of Argungu Emirate Council.
The geo-physical nature and characteristics of the festival site in
Argungu are river areas (matanfada, mala, gamji), irrigation, and
ocherds (lambu in hausa). the majority of fishermen are the followers
of Islam and Predominant farmers. Kanta mesium is the main historical
centre in Argungu for visistors across the globe. People from
different destination troupe to Argungu just to witness the occasion.
(Adaded by Allugu Young Farmers Association, 2010)
If you think fishing is just a bunch of men casting lines into the
water, think again. In Argunga, a four days cultural festival
culminates with up to 35,000 burly fishermen plunging in pairs into
the murky Malan Fada River, clutching hand nets and gourds for
flotation. A blast of gun signals the start of the contest and each
pair of fishermen have just one hour to catch the biggest fish.
The bare-handed fishing frenzy takes place alongside the beat of
drummers who play from their canoes in the surging waters and on the
river bank. The competition is growing with each passing year and it's
now so popular that competitors can struggle to find space to enter
the water. Many fishermen only come to Argungu once a year, at the
time of the festival.
The Matan Fada River is small, but it is well stocked so there's
plenty to play for. A one mile (1.6km) stretch of the river is
protected throughout the year, to make sure fish are plentiful for the
competition. When the hour is up, the participants stagger exhausted
up the stone steps to have their fish tagged and weighed.
It's not unusual to see a 50 kilo fish dragged flapping from the
water, but in 2007 a legendary 75 kilo fish was crowned catch of the
day. It took four men to hoist the beast onto the scales. Big fish
mean big money. The pair of fishermen who catch the largest fish claim
a prize equivalent to $8000 plus a minibus!
Aside from the bare-handed fishing in the river, the festival hosts
many other events to tempt visitors. Agricultural shows, craft
exhibitions, and wrestling and boxing displays are sure to keep you
entertained, as will wild duck catching, canoe racing, motor rallies
and displays of traditional Kabanchi. And after the winning fish has
been found, and its fishermen crowned victor, the crowds and
participants dance and sing long into the night.
The event is also marked with a series of speeches. Hundreds of
federal and state officials turn up everytime.
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