Nigera - Event

Argungu, in northern Nigeria, hosts an internationally acclaimed fishing festival marking the end of the growing season and the harvest. It involves challenges like barehanded fishing, wild duck hunting, swimming, diving, wrestling, arts and craft exhibition, traditional music and entertainment.

Thousands of fishermen come to test their skills at this event, where the barehanded fishing competition is the star of the show. The fishermen are equipped with a hand net and large gourd with which to reap the fruits of the Sokoto River. Prizes are awarded to those with the biggest catches in all disciplines.

The whole affair is taken very seriously; so much so that fishing is banned along a one-mile stretch of the Sokoto throughout the year so that there will be plenty of fish for this annual fishing frenzy.

The festival dates back to 1934 and has traditionally been a great place to meet people from a diverse range of nationalities. The atmosphere is friendly and welcoming to all.