makepung buffalo races in bali bali bull race
Makepung is the name of a major grand prix in Jembrana, West Bali, which features racing buffalo races. Hundreds of pairs of buffaloes are teamed up together with their jockeys. They ride the traditional wooden ploughs that are slightly modified for the competition. The racer buffaloes, or kerbau pepadu, compete in various open race circuits in assorted heats. These series of competitions are held around the district of Melaya. They lead up to the finals, known as the Jembrana Regent’s Cup and the Governor’s Cup.
Good to Know about the Makepung Buffalo Races The Makepung buffalo races usually commence early mornings at 07:30 with dozens of pairs of pepadu participating. Another hundred or so take part in the 'fashion' parade. The races last for five hours, with the buffaloes divided into three racing divisions. The dates for each year’s event vary. However, a rough estimate is that several heats take place monthly from July to November at the various circuit locations. All usually take place over the weekends on a Sunday morning.
The tentative schedule for the 2018 Makepung buffalo races, based on the Jembrana government tourism office's announcements in February this year:
Sunday, 15 July: Delodberawah Village Circuit
Sunday, 29 July: Sanghyang Cerik, Tuwed Village Circuit
Sunday, 12 August: Mertasari. Loloan Timur Circuit (Bupati Cup)
Sunday, 26 August: Awen, Lelateng Circuit
Sunday, 9 September: Delodberawah Village Circuit
Sunday, 23 September: Kaliakah Village Circuit
Sunday, 7 October: Mertasari. Loloan Timur Circuit
Sunday, 21 October: Pangkung Dalem, Kaliakah Village Circuit
Sunday, 4 November: Delodberawah Village Circuit
Sunday, 18 November: Sanghyang Cerik, Tuwed Village Circuit (Jembrana Cup - FINALS)
The Makepung tradition of Jembrana inspired the creation of a Balinese dance of the same name in 1984. This dance is performed by seven to nine male and female participants, and depicts riders and the buffaloes themselves. One of the unique features of the dance is that it is accompanied by the Jegog bamboo orchestra which is also typical of the regency.
Read more at: https://www.bali-indonesia.com/attractions/makepung-buffalo-races.htm?cid=ch:OTH:001