Brazil celebrates the traditional Indigenous Games in Tapirama

Different ethnic groups compete in soccer, archery, indigenous darts and tug of war

Video AP-LaPresse/Atlas Agency – Indigenous communities gathered on Saturday in Tapirama, 140 km south of Sao Paulo, Brazil’s largest city, to compete in their traditional games and celebrate the country’s Indigenous Awareness Month. For three days, indigenous people of different ethnic groups played soccer, archery, indigenous darts, and tug of war, among other activities. The player Marcos Karat takes the indigenous dart very seriously, since every weekend he practices it for at least six hours. Even so, he affirms that the main objective of the games is not competition: “It is about an interaction between different ethnic groups, and it is a moment in which we put into practice and share some of our knowledge. Because in reality, these games they are more to create an interaction between us.” The event is open to people from outside the indigenous communities, who can also request to participate in the games. “Being able to meet and be closer to the indigenous people opens a space of respect, allows us to really get in touch with our roots. It’s a great opportunity to be here,” says Vanessa Tassoni, a tourist who was visiting the community for the first time. The Indigenous Games will last until Sunday, April 23.

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