07 Witness a Tribal Courtship Ritual
At the end of the rainy season in September, the nomadic tribes in Central Africa gather for a unique festival in Abalak. The men of the Wodaabe Fula clan braid their hair, don vibrant costumes, and elaborately paint their faces in preparation for the Gerewol. For seven days, contestants in this tribal beauty pageant perform several dance routines to win the affections of the female judges. At the climax of the final dance, each woman of the jury selects a winner who could then become her lover for one night or her new husband. Attending the Gerewol is a thrilling experience; check with local travel agencies for more information on how to book a tour.
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