Togo Evala wrestling rite seeks UNESCO recognition

Thousands of ethnic Kabye men aged 18 to 20 take part each mid-July in Evala, an ancestral initiation rite in Togo's northern Kara region, where participants wrestle as part of a tradition marking the passage to manhood.

The young men, known as Evalo, first complete ceremonies including displaying three small scars near each ear, according to participants and local leaders. Tchitchao canton chief Achille Samah Bidiwana told AFP that another rite involves dancing with a dog until it dies of exhaustion and eating its meat.

The wrestling is not compulsory, but local figures said young men face social pressure to take part. Tchaa Tidiye, a wrestling coach in Pya canton, said a young Kabye man who is fit but does not wrestle can bring shame on the community. Bidiwana said traditional standards link becoming an Evalo with readiness for marriage.

Togo has begun seeking UNESCO intangible cultural heritage recognition for Evala, Culture Minister Isaac Tchiakpe told AFP. The matches already attract domestic and foreign tourists.