Day 76 Zibu Rodeo

To end our journey, our guide offered us something very special. As the captain of a rodeo team, he could organize a Zibu Rodeo in his village for us. The village was on our way back to Tana, so we couldn't miss this opportunity. I couldn't imagine much about it, but I knew that rodeos have a great tradition in Madagascar.

After our car broke down again, we took a taxi bus to Ambositra, the village where our guide lives. The ride alone was an experience, especially the 'station' if you can call it that way. We had to transfer once to reach our destination, and at that station, it was chaotic. Every driver wanted to attract the next customer for their bus. It was hard to get off the bus without being surrounded by a crowd of drivers asking where you want to go. As soon as you mentioned your destination, you were pulled in different directions because every driver seemed to go everywhere. And if you think that once you're in the bus, there's peace, you're mistaken. Even after paying for a bus, the drivers try to convince you to ride with them because their bus is supposedly better. But this battle for the traveler's favor wasn't only for white tourists, it was for everyone who set foot in that station. While waiting for the bus to depart, you could buy all sorts of things from the vendors passing by. From food like sandwiches, spring rolls, samosas, cakes, and bread, to headphones, USB sticks, baskets, and hats. Observing all the hustle and bustle was fun.

After a 4-hour drive, we arrived at the village in the late afternoon. The first thing we saw was the arena, and then we were personally received by the village president. He invited us to his living room where he offered us local rum and local food. We had a conversation with him in French before he accompanied us to the arena. In a short speech, with the whole village assembled, they thanked us and announced that the rodeo was organized in honor of Berni and me. So we were the organizers of the upcoming fun.

And then it started. One Zibu after another was led into the arena and teased a bit.

The men then tried to grab the Zibus at the bumps of their back and hold on there. The Zibus didn't like that and fought back against the attacker.

It was a lot of fun to watch.

The whole village shared this enthusiasm.

When the sun went down, the games were over. We were invited back to the village president's living room. But this time, we weren't alone. The village elders and the brave rodeo riders gathered as well. A ritual, or rather a prayer, which is part of such an event, followed. These games are held to pray for luck and good health. And since we were the organizers, prayers were said for us, that we can continue to travel safely and without accidents, and that luck accompanies us on our further journey. The ritual was completed with a bottle of homemade rum, which was generously distributed among those present.

Then we were asked to tell something about our journey, which we gladly did. Our guide kindly translated into Malagasy.

A little later, after showing our photos and videos of the rodeo, we were kindly bid farewell.

And so our journey in Madagascar ended with a lasting memory.