Fantasia in Tibati - the Celebration of "Eid-Al-Fitr" or the End of Ramadan

As it might not have been pointed out clearly so far, the North of Cameroon, i.e. where I am living right now is predominantly muslim. Consequently, Ramadan is respected strictly by large parts of the population meaning that people do not only refrain from eating but also from drinking between dusk and dawn. And everybody impatiently awaits the end - since fasting in Ramadan in African heat unavoidably means suffering. What a relief when this period of self restriction finally is over - whatever poor one might be - that calls for celebration!

From babies to grandmothers - everyone wants to assist the big fantasia in front of the Lamido's palace in Tibati putting on the finest pagnes or clothes one possesses.

In a huge demonstration, the warriors of the Lamido get the chance to show off on their horses, neatly decorated with fine tissues reserved only for important festivities.

Authentic African Musicians, looking like funky clowns to the European eye contribute with their doodeling around and Tam-Tams while the "chevaliers" are swinging sables, lancets, swords and bows on their galopping horses in front of the Lamido - who appreciates their show by 'generously' distributing some bills of money among the heros.

Less apparent is that the horses are rather badly trained, no wonder, since they are hardly ever ridden throughout the year, yet also no wonder that one of the maltreated had a fall during the galopp towards the Lamido's. On photos one will not easily find acts and consequent marks of violence against the animals, yet their grimaces may tell you a bit of what is happening. When the sun sets down, the Lamido concludes the spectacle by retiring into his palace and the people go home to continue the feast by consuming everything that was limited for such a long time.