Regional/Cultural Day
Bariba Sisi Gbe
The Bariba horsemen of northern Benin ride with tall saddles and ceremonial spears, tracing their equestrian tradition back to the kingdoms of Borgu. The horses wear cowrie shells and tassels, the riders sit with the posture of people who learned to ride before they learned to walk. Today the horsemen parade through Parakou and Nikki with the kind of pride that takes centuries to develop.