Awi Horse Races

We’ve shifted our focus, as we say goodbye to the US, we do more forward thinking to Ethiopia. Yes, that’s right, Tuesday midday through Thursday morning (It’s a long, long time to be traveling but beats a ships ETA).

Before long travels, I struggle with anxiety about, well, just about everything.  

 

To lighten the mood here is one of the most amazing events I’ve ever witnessed.

 A friend told us about the horse races in Injibara. We loaded up and arrived just as hundreds of people lined a huge pasture.

We were so confused as two horses came out at a time and the riders wore different tribal clothes while letting out guttural shouts. 

One man attacked the other horse with sticks and I was getting a little freaked out at the gore that we were going to see.

After watching more closely, we realized that they were reenacting things and were aiming for their partner’s shield. I was very relieved. 

Many men sported a barefoot or stocking foot look combined with lion’s manes tied around their head or neck. 

This man was in charge of keeping our section off the field. He used his stick to hit people back as it was dangerous to get on the field. He decided he liked our family and would tell everyone, “Get back, get back, but leave room for the foreigners!  This is their first time here!” He didn’t hit us once. :)

And just because my pictures can’t show this scene in it’s entirety, here are a few more...

And hilariously, as we were mesmerized by one of the most fascinating things I have ever witnessed, the crowd around us just wanted to figure our family out. I don’t think they watched a single horse race.

We then moved by the hundreds into a parade (look into the distance and you can see priests coming under brightly colored umbrellas).

Then bigger groups came out, yelling and flying by. As the event continued, one tree was full of spectators.

Okay, deep breath, here we go!  Thanks for your care and prayers!