ARGUNGU FISHING FESTIVAL (CULTURAL EVENT IN NIGERIA)

Argungu Internationale fishing and cultural festival is one of the most famous cultural events in Nigeria. Held annually in Argungu, a small riverine community in kebbi state northwest Nigeria, the festival attracts thousands of spectators from neighboring communities and hundreds of tourist from within and beyond the country borders.

The event is customarily held within the first quarter of every year. The main attraction remains the traditional fishing festival in which hundreds of fishermen charge into the sokoto river armed with traditional equipment in the hope of returning with the largest catch. Since the fishermen are not allowed to use boats during the main contest, they either float around on their storage gourds, paddling with their hands or wade through the murky waters in search of fish. To the awe of spectators the fishermen frequently dive into the waters and emerge with fish of varying sizes, while praise singes chant jubilantly. Cultural dances accompanied by singing and drumming add to the carnival like atmosphere as the fishermen and women strive to reel in the biggest catch and claim the competition star prize. Quite often the winning catch is a Nile perch weighing in excess of 50kg.

Getting to the period of the festival/competition fishing is prohibited in the river in the months leading up the event. This is to allow the replenishment and maturity of the fish population towards an exciting contest. Sides attraction during this event include traditional wrestling, hunting expedition, swimming contests, canoe races and exhibitions of local arts and crafts. An equally important attractions, though yet to be exploited to its full potential, is the Argungu Motor Rally. With additional development and adequate promotion, the rally may become as internationally renowned as the Dakar Rally in the near future.
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