Madura: Bull Racing is Child’s Play

By TravelWiseJul 17, 2012 12:00 PMOther
Share:
Madura: Bull Racing is Child’s Play
Madura: Bull Racing is Child’s Play

When I agreed to go and watch Madura bull racing with my girlfriend, little did I know that I would be standing at the centre of the finishing line watching two tons of bovine come hurtling towards me with a ten year old child holding on to them for dear life.

Images of my impending doom swept before my eyes, reminding me quite how bad an idea this had been, but I seemed to be alone in my worries. There were no cries of pain as the speeding bulls met a solid wall of human flesh. Instead a small boy with a large smile on his face emerged from the crowd who quickly surrounded him. For this one day he would become a local celebrity, a rite of passage passed, a race won.

Madura bull racing is a centuries old tradition for the people of the island that is located just off the North coast of the island of Java. The competitions that are held each year are a chance for the local people to celebrate a successful harvest and show off there prized possessions. It is not as whacky a tradition as the cargo cults of Papua, but Madura bull racing is pretty close.

The main Madura bull racing competition lasts for two days and as the young bulls rip down the racing line the cows are given their own chance to shine in their very own beauty contest. To make sure the cows are looking their best for the contest they are given a makeover, complete with eyeliner, make up and jewellery.

When the beauty contest starts, the cows are made to walk in pairs in front of the judges around the ring. Young unmarried women dance behind the cows. Surrounding the women, with large smiles on their faces, are old men with stacks of cash from the recent harvest. The money is given away to the women who do the most suggestive dancing. When passing the money the use of hands is optional and bigger notes can be passed from mouth to mouth, it’s pretty shady, especially given the fact that Madura is so famous for prostitution. As for the cows, there are no loosers and everyone receives a prize for taking part.

For something a bit different the two days of Madura bull racing comes highly recommended. The main cow racing festival is in the middle of October, but the dates change each year. If you’re a foreigner expect VIP treatment and access to all areas as the friendly locals make you feel welcome. We slept in the local parliament building. Whatever you do don’t forget to bring a hat as after two days in the sun I had turned a dangerous shade of red. Madura Bull racing is a real spectacle, but if you’re in the are, don’t forget to do see the sunrise over Bromo.

Top Articles
Top 14 all-inclusive Marriott resorts: Cool locations for fun adventures and wish fulfillment

Top 14 all-inclusive Marriott resorts: Cool locations for fun adventures and wish fulfillment

Mar 28, 2024 19:55 PM
Top 10 great hotels in Kefalonia: the perfect vacation in the middle of the Ionian Sea

Top 10 great hotels in Kefalonia: the perfect vacation in the middle of the Ionian Sea

Mar 28, 2024 16:17 PM

The best California resorts for a flawless vacation, stacked with recommendations and traveler reviews

Mar 28, 2024 11:18 AM

Top 9 hotels in Atlantic City: with luxury accommodations, beautiful ocean views and exclusive entertainment

Mar 27, 2024 21:49 PM
More News
10 locations in Berlin to visit in 2024

10 locations in Berlin to visit in 2024

Mar 28, 2024 22:06 PM
Delta is the last airline to raise baggage fees

Delta is the last airline to raise baggage fees

Mar 28, 2024 21:49 PM

United Nations Collaborates for Sustainable Urban Tourism

Mar 28, 2024 21:35 PM

Appearance comes first for them: The zodiac signs that are focused on themselves are named

Mar 28, 2024 21:10 PM
Italy and Turkmenistan signed two transport agreements

Italy and Turkmenistan signed two transport agreements

Mar 28, 2024 20:55 PM
10 places worth visiting in Athens

10 places worth visiting in Athens

Mar 28, 2024 20:40 PM
The flow of tourists from Israel to Cyprus will resume within a month

The flow of tourists from Israel to Cyprus will resume within a month

Mar 28, 2024 20:25 PM
Resolving possible conflicts awaits every zodiac sign: horoscope for March 29

Resolving possible conflicts awaits every zodiac sign: horoscope for March 29

Mar 28, 2024 20:10 PM
The UK warns its citizens against flying with certain airlines

The UK warns its citizens against flying with certain airlines

Mar 28, 2024 19:40 PM

Delta Sky Club Bananagate: Flyers Rebel Against Food Policy

Mar 28, 2024 19:32 PM

7 hours for Colorado: when and where is it better to go in 2024

Mar 28, 2024 19:13 PM
Saudia Airline plane flying in the sky

AlFursan Miles for Charity: Saudia's New Venture with SDAIA

Mar 28, 2024 17:30 PM
Violated the law and misled customers: KLM airline caught in environmental scandal

Violated the law and misled customers: KLM airline caught in environmental scandal

Mar 28, 2024 17:21 PM
These three zodiac signs strive for a harmonious and peaceful social life: March horoscope

These three zodiac signs strive for a harmonious and peaceful social life: March horoscope

Mar 28, 2024 16:32 PM
Nice bedroom in one of the famous hotels

Hilton Garden Inn Guadalajara Airport Opens as 15th Hotel in Mexico

Mar 28, 2024 16:30 PM

United Airlines Announces First-Quarter Financial Webcast for 2024

Mar 28, 2024 15:35 PM

A woman who booked an expensive hotel for a family vacation found out that it was nine hours away from the airport

Mar 28, 2024 15:04 PM
A rare phenomenon in Iceland: volcano eruption coincided with the northern lights. Video

A rare phenomenon in Iceland: volcano eruption coincided with the northern lights. Video

Mar 28, 2024 14:45 PM
A huge Carnival`s ship is moored to the shore

Carnival Corporation Expands Fleet with Fifth Excel-Class Ship for Carnival Cruise Line

Mar 28, 2024 14:30 PM
The flight attendant mentioned an item that she advises not to touch during the flight

The flight attendant mentioned an item that she advises not to touch during the flight

Mar 28, 2024 13:41 PM
3D illustration of carbon dioxide molecules in the atmosphere

Emirates Embarks on Sustainability Journey with SAF at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Mar 28, 2024 13:32 PM
Scotland players and staff will get the most out of their Euro 2024 base camp near Mount Vancouver

Scotland players and staff will get the most out of their Euro 2024 base camp near Mount Vancouver

Mar 28, 2024 13:29 PM

Tourist attacks two vacationers on a Thai beach: His visa may be revoked

Mar 28, 2024 12:49 PM

Courtyard by Marriott Introduces Thoughtful Design to the Urban Corridor

Mar 28, 2024 12:30 PM
San Francisco: SkyStar Ferris wheel at Fisherman's Wharf will remain for another 18 months

San Francisco: SkyStar Ferris wheel at Fisherman's Wharf will remain for another 18 months

Mar 28, 2024 12:21 PM
BMW logo on a car

BMW Group Shines at Annual Conference: Sets Sights on Electrified Future and Robust Growth

Mar 28, 2024 11:38 AM