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Sumba and the Pasola

On two occasions I had the privilege of visiting Sumba to be amazed at the traditional pasola games and immerse myself in the culture of its people. This thrilling mounted spear-fighting competition is exclusively celebrated within the western region of Sumba

Pasola is a traditional ritual that is celebrated annually on the island of Sumba in Indonesia. It is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the island. The ritual involves two teams of horsemen on opposite sides of a field, armed with spears, swords and bows and arrows, competing in a mock war. The ritual has been practiced on Sumba since ancient times and is believed to be derived from an ancient Indonesian story.
The ritual is an important part of the local culture and is celebrated with great enthusiasm by the local people. During the festival, the locals can be seen wearing traditional costumes and playing traditional music. The festival also serves as a way to honor ancestors and celebrate unity.
Today, the pasola is still celebrated every year, usually in February. It is a colorful and exciting event, attracting tourists from all over the world who come to witness the spectacle.

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