Festivals Festivals Calendar Of Festivals Buddhist Christian Hindu Islam Jewish Sikh Passing Through Life Change And Renewal Family Festivals World Festivals Fun Festivals Seasonal Festivals Celebrating The Arts National Days One Special Day Other Beliefs Remembering The Past World Gatherings

Fishing at Argungu A spectacular two-day festival marks the start of the fishing season each February at Argungu, in northern Nigeria. Thousands of men and boys wade into the Sokoto River, carrying nets and big gourds called calabashes. They drive large fish called Nile perch, some of them weighing up to 70 kg, into the shallow water where they are caught. There are displays of 'kbaci' (bare-hand fishing), swimming, and canoe racing. Excited crowds line the river banks. Nigerian fishermen use the hollow shells of large gourds to catch and store fish.   Previous: Back Book: Festivals Section: Festivals Chapter: Seasonal Festivals