The Durbar Festival

The Durbar festival is a local Nigerian addition to the Muslim festivals of Eid-al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, but the tradition comes from hundreds of years ago and from a local custom where people had to show their regiments of battle horses in parades. During this period, each town and wealthy household had to bring their horses to regional Durbars to showcase their horsemanship and prove they were ready for war.

Modern festivals have incorporated prayers into the beginning of the day before the parades take place in squares or in front of the local Emir’s palace, but horsemanship is still key. Each group must gallop at full tilt, swords drawn, past the Emir and his retinue then brake! And salute. The Emir’s own regiment are usually the most impressive and go on last. After the shows the real party starts.

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 Photo by flickr user wonker

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