Traditional Horse Fencing Competitions Mark Islamic Holidays in Egypt

Dozens of performers assemble on a plot of farmland for the El-Mermah competition. The objective is to tap competitors with a long stick from the back of a galloping horse. In the village of Al-Biirat, Egypt on Sept. 12, 2023. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Coming from villages across Upper Egypt, farmers-turned-fencers travel by pickup truck to conserve their horses’ energy for the games ahead, Al-Biirat, Egypt on Sept. 12, 2023. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

A local band plays festive songs that cheer on each team, naming both human and horse performers in the song for a tip and the performance of an “equestrian dance” in return, Al-Biirat, Egypt on Sept. 12, 2023. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Transforming the field into a theatrical stage or arena, El-Mermah performances offer respite to villagers, most of whom work in local farms, Al-Biirat, Egypt, Sept. 12, 2023. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Friends, relatives, and strangers compete to celebrate their enduring heritage and the Prophet’s birthday, Al-Biirat, Egypt, Sept. 12, 2023. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Riders customarily pass the tradition on to younger generations, with some sharing the saddle with their children to give them an inside look at their ancestors’ horsemanship and swordsmanship, Al-Biirat, Egypt, Sept. 12, 2023. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

As human performers and spectators revel, some horses exhibit bleeding wounds from intense saddle and bridle friction, Al-Biirat, Egypt on Sept. 12, 2023. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

A winning horse may be priced up to five times higher than the local market’s average steed. Meanwhile, the rider brings honor to their family and community, Al-Biirat, Egypt on Sept. 12, 2023. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Mohamed, a farmer from the Upper Egypt city of Qena, says, “I participate in El-Mermah events all year, not only in ones for the Prophet Mohamed’s birthday. I train my horse to be a real fighter.” Al-Biirat, Egypt on Sept. 12, 2023. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)

Talaat, who traveled from his farming community near Luxor, says, “I raised and trained this horse myself. I would never sell him or leave him — he’s like my son.” Al-Biirat, Egypt on Sept. 12, 2023. (Hamada Elrasam/VOA)