Traditional Oil-Wrestling Competition

Traditional wrestling competitions are organized every year in Dragash/Dragaš. This form of wrestling in these areas remained from the rule of the Turks and the exile of the population in different countries of the world. This form of competition is organized for religious and joyful family holidays (circumcision and wedding). It is organized in Opoja, Gora and Rivera regions. It has an elimination character and is categorized according to ranking. The players, apart from the sports clothes in the middle, smear the rest of their naked body with oil (grease) and before the start of wrestling, they perform a ritual of introduction. Competitions are held on the occasion of the day of the liberation of Dragash/Dragaš (first Sunday after June 15 of each year). This competition has acquired an international character, as wrestlers from Turkey, Bulgaria, Northern Macedonia, Albania and beyond participate in it.

Georeference: 42.06201366231838, 20.65397819954555
Category: Cultural Assets
Subcategory: Traditional ritual
Legal Status of Protection: /
Is it used for tourism?: Yes
If not, is there potential for tourism in the future?: /
Road infrastructure to the location: Good
Marking and orientation to the location: There are signposts
Tables on site: There are information boards

Note: You can find the source of the picture at this link.