Fat man competition held annually in Ethiopian tribe - photos

Prosper

AN Ethiopian tribe holds a bizarre fat man competition where tribesmen compete to become the most rotund. The Bodi tribe live in the deep south of the African country and the contest is done annually to celebrate the tribe’s new year. The competitors spend six months preparing for the big day with strict rules surrounding the event. For half a year the men feed themselves solely on fresh milk and cow’s blood to fatten themselves up for the big day. During this time they are not allowed to leave their huts or have sex, but they are waited on hand and foot. Women and girls bring them milk every morning in their quest for big gut glory.

The only prize for the winner is fame and the adulation of his fellow tribesmen.

The area of the Omo Valley where they live does not welcome tourists meaning their traditions have been left largely undisturbed for generations.


The competitors at times finds it hard to drink cow blood. They throw up while drinking the blood.


The competitors are even admirred by children.



Stomach filled with cow milk and blood.



Fresh cow blood right from the source which has to be drank as quickly as possible before it coagulates/clots.






Women attend to the need of the competitors.