Sulawesi Surprise!: A Cockfight

As a kid, I have heard of illegal cockfights being carried out in the jungle. Cockfighting has been a favourite pastime since 2000 BC in the Indus Valley and besides India, the blood sport was said to be popular in ancient China, Persia or present day Iran and in Greece during the time of Themistocles (c. 524–460 BC). At one time, it is even accepted as a traditional sporting event in the United States. I haven't heard of a cockfight for a long time but in the market at Tana Toraja, a group of men had gathered for a cockfight. That it was held in the market place suggests that cockfight is perfectly legal there although other parts of Indonesia such as Bali, cockfights have been forbidden since 1981 because the Indonesian Government says it constitutes gambling.Cockfighting is now illegal throughout most of the United States, Brazil and in most of Europe, including Spain. Perhaps, people there prefer wrestling or they rather pit a man against a bull!


Do you enjoy this blood sport?

Traveling Tip: Look out for fights!