Women Canoe Race

A female canoe race contestant paddles with focus on the finish line at the Rigata Festival. 'Rigata' is a Gunganci word meaning 'Marine War'. The 200 years old festival demonstrates the naval strength of the Gungu people of Yauri Kingdom, as skilled Gungu warriors attacked dangerous hippopotamus that were destroying farmlands. The festival started when flotilla of boats carrying warriors were used to protect bridal trains from wild animals as they were transported on the River Niger. This task required expertise in canoe paddling and naval warfare, serving as training for upcoming Gungu warriors. To preserve the Hippos, hunting was ban in the 19th century by the then colonial government, Rigata then became a prestigious display of wealth, power and influence during wedding ceremonies. The Rigata festival is celebrated annually in the month of February.