Every year in March, different dates, the villages Gaura and Wanokaka in East Nusa Tenggara area on Sumba Island, hold the Pasola jousting. The events start several days after full moon, when a strange yearly phenomena starts with the arrival of colorful sea worms.
In the Pasola contest, horse riders armed with insusceptible lance ride one toward the other, where by using the lance, every participant aim is to cause his opponent to fall.
The events attract, every year, lot of locals and tourists who watch the unique jousting. In addition meeting and conventions which present the culture of East Nusa Tenggara take place.
Pasola jousting ceremony in Gaura Wanokaka Lamboya and Kodi
When: Annually in March (several days after full moon)
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Indonesia background and overview
The Dutch began to colonize Indonesia in the early 17th century; the islands were occupied by Japan from 1942 to 1945. Indonesia declared its independence after Japan's surrender, but it required four years of intermittent negotiations, recurring hostilities, and UN mediation before the Netherlands agreed to relinquish its colony. Indonesia is the world's largest archipelagic state and home to the world's largest Muslim population. Current issues include: alleviating poverty, preventing terrorism, consolidating democracy after four decades of authoritarianism, implementing financial sector reforms, stemming corruption, holding the military and police accountable for human rights violations, and controlling avian influenza. In 2005, Indonesia reached a historic peace agreement with armed separatists in Aceh, which led to democratic elections in December 2006. Indonesia continues to face a low intensity separatist guerilla movement in Papua.
[Courtesy of The World Factbook]
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