The residents of Ilara-Mokin, a town in Nigeria’s western state of Ondo state, celebrate the harvest season in an unusual way – by beating themselves with sticks during the New Yam Festival.
Last Monday, the revellers danced and sang with joy without showing any sign of pain despite the welts on their backs.
The festival sees many people returning home from neighbouring states to join in.
Some even send money back to relatives to help them buy canes ahead of their arrival.
The King of llara-Mokin, Oba Aderemi Adefehinti, told BBC Yoruba that he was trying to stop the practice of self-flagellation, but he said it was difficult as people loved it and the cultural event attracted many participants.
During the festivities, prayers are offered by the monarch and local chiefs for a bountiful harvest in the coming year. BBC
Pix: Scene from the flogging festival
