Dominated by Muslims, Catholics and Protestants, the regency is unique to the Hindu island of Bali.Bullracing here is usually performed between August and November, is the local residents' way of thanking God for the harvest. At the same time, the event has also become a place where people from West Bali gather once a year.
The tradition originated in Madura, is NE Java , where it is known as Karapan Sapi. Settlers brought it to both Kaliasem and Negara. I joined the sapi gerumbugan, festivities on the 16th of August, for the Bupati cup.
Ornaments adorning the bulls shake to a regular rhythm as the a
nimals pave their way along the two kilometer-long racing track, which is on most days just a dusty and dirty road bordering the paddy fields.The harnessed animal contestants move forward, ignoring the harassment they receive from the jockeys on their backs.
Alongside the track, hundreds of local residents pack the arena, cheering and betting for their champion. It was spectecularand fun to watch, but also a baffeling, as we did not completely understand what was going on! Apperantly the it is judged by the competency of each jockey, their speed and the entire appearance of both jockey and racing bull.
Cruelty is not taken into account... The buffelo's are beaten to make them run faster, and I've heard some men say that the jockeys also put red pepper on their asses. The bull's ass that is!
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