Bull Race Of Madura

The bullrace is the Madurans’ traditional game, and has been for generations. The initial idea is said to have come from Prince Katandur, who advised the farmers to increase their efficiency by using bulls and a bamboo plow to fill their dry fields. From this, the bull races presumably evalued.

Over time, the races grew into elaborate affairs. The word karapan is believed by some to have been derived from the term “garapan” (tilling the land). In Madura, cows are used for tilling the land, while bulls, especially the stronger ones, are used for bullracing.

Bulls for racing are magnificently adorned before the events. Shaded by ceremonial umbrellas, they are paraded through the streets to the accompaniment of the Sarone (gamelan), whose musicians, too are dressed in their Sunday best.