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Turogpo: Buffalo Fight in Philippines

Turogpo: Buffalo Fight in Philippines

The archipelago is a place where various traditions can be felt and seen. Philippines is one of them. It’s an archipelago of 7,107 islands. It is marked by a true blend of cultures, festivals and events.  Turogpo is an unusual and unique event organized in Leyte. Leyte is an island of Philippines which is situated in the west of Samar Island, north of Southern Leyte, south of Biliran, and east of the Camotes Sea.  While this is considered an ordinary festival it has a lot of importance as far as culture is concerned. A description of Turogpo its historical background with significance in the lives of Leyte’s people.

Bull fight phillippine

What is Turogpo?

Turogpo is a yearly occasion that happens on each Holy Friday ( Good Friday, the Friday before Easter ) within Carigara town, Leyte. The term “Turogpo” originates from the Waray language word called “turog” which means struggle. It is also known as the “Buffalo Fight Festival” although there are no bulls involved; the highlight of this fete is buffalos battling it out in a ring delimited by grass and soil.

We must remind you that this festival is not for soft hearted people or animal lovers.

 

History of Turogpo

 

Turogpo, from the roots of Carigara, goes deep into history. Turogpo, according to the elders, was said to originate from the way farmers exhibited the strongest buffalo to each other. They believe that this animal is not only an instrument of agriculture but stands as the sign of their labor and fortitude.

Turogpo began as a simple meeting at which every farmer’s oxen would be exhibited for comparison. As time passed, it transformed into Buffalo Fight.

 

The Preparation for Turogpo

 

In preparation for Turogpo, one of the key steps in the celebration is for the owners of buffaloes to get their animals in top condition before the day of the Buffalo Fight. They are fed proper nutrition and exercise regularly in order to keep them in top shape for their strength and stamina.

Owners who own cattle do some rituals to have successful and safe animals apart from readying them physically including if they rely on lucky charms due to superstitions.

 

The Day of Turogpo

 

On the day of Turogpo, people gather from different parts of Leyte and even neighboring areas. The arena was filled with shouting and screaming as the buffalo battle began. Each battle usually only lasts a few minutes, but it is full of tension and excitement.

Buffaloes are driven to clash, and the goal is to knock down the opponent or stop him from fighting. It is the buffalo that wins a lot of prizes. Furthermore, there are various games for children as well as singing, dancing among other activities that take place during the celebration of buffalo fight.

Carigara Bull fight

Importance of Turogpo in Culture

Turogpo is not just a game or tradition; it is also an important part of the identity of the Carigara people. This shows their love for their buffalo, which they consider a partner in their livelihood. What is more, Turogpo is a way of keeping their old customs and traditions alive; they are still passed on to newer and newer generations.

Criticism and Controversy

Despite being an essential component of the culture of Leyte, Turogpo is not exempted from criticism as well. The antelope rights movements do not concur with these kinds of festivities on grounds that it causes suffering for the animals especially when they are made to fight each other. This is why some argue that such combat games are unkind and should never be conducted again.

Regardless, a lot of individuals have this faith in Turogpo as being connected to their past as well as the values and norms that should be cherished and protected. Some say it is the duty of the owners to ensure their buffaloes are fed and safe at all times while they participate in this event.

The Future of Turogpo

In the face of these issues, the conversation and debate continues on how Turogpo can be preserved without sacrificing the welfare of the animals. There have been suggestions to make the match safer and give the contestants stricter regulations.

The local government of Carigara continues to coordinate with various sectors to ensure that Turogpo remains a celebration of culture and tradition, but with concern for the welfare of animals.

Conclusion

Turogpo is one of the Philippines’ rare festivals that offers a glimpse of its rich culture and heritage. It is still being carried on as a representation of Carigara, Leyte’s history and identity despite objections from some quarters. It is important to have a balanced view about its significance, while at the same time ensuring that the plight of animals used during such festivities is adequately catered for. This will enable us keep alive our ways of life.

References

If you want to know more about this event you can click here.

*** Disclaimer : Because of the vulgar nature of this event we’ve skipped displaying more images on this post.

 

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