Makepung Buffalo Racing

• Photographer
  bram paulussen

Every year in Jembrana, West Bali the Makepung Bull Race is held to celebrate the end of the rice harvest. Teams are divided into two clubs: the Eastern division with the red flag (east of the Ijo Gading River) and the Western division with a green flag. Jockeys are riding the traditional wooden ploughs that are slightly modified for the competition. They are elegantly dressed and each bull is decorated with colorful ornaments. The winner is not necessarily the first or the fastest as style is deemed. It is very important jockeys show bravery by standing up in the cart.