Every July, hundreds of young Kabye men in northern Togo’s Kara region participate in Evala, a centuries-old initiation ceremony that marks their transition into adulthood through ritual wrestling. In the days leading up to the main event, participants undergo a series of traditional rites, including receiving ceremonial scars and completing symbolic customs intended to instill strength and resilience. And while participation is voluntary, social pressure makes it nearly universal. The event marks an important milestone for many families, with some traditions historically linking completion of Evala to eligibility for marriage. The festival attracts large crowds, government officials, and tourists, including the country’s leader Faure Gnassingbé, who completed the rite in his youth. Authorities are now seeking UNESCO recognition of Evala as intangible cultural heritage, hoping to preserve the tradition and boost tourism to the region.
Africanews