Pemba Bullfighting

A traditional annual sport, a relic of the Portuguese era — and the bull always survives.

Pemba bullfights are a relic of the Portuguese occupation of the island during the 16th and 17th centuries. Drums beat and men and women sing local songs to spur on both bull and matador. Unlike bullfighting elsewhere, at the end of the fight the bull remains alive and is trained for the next game.

There are no fixed dates — fights are often held after the clove harvest or during state ceremonies such as Revolution Day.