Farre Farre Nzeh Anzo
Wrestling Festival of Bachama People
Bachama people are majorly found in Lamurde, Demsa and Numan local government areas of Adamawa State. They are predominantly farmers. Farre is an annual festival celebrated in Demsa Local Government Area. Regarded as a festival of request for a bountiful harvest, it features wrestling, singing and dancing from the various cultural groups of the community. This festival usually commences at the beginning of every farming season. It is believed, among the Bachama people, that if the festival does not take place, nobody is allowed to cultivate his land farm. The festival is aimed at marking a new farming season. It is also an avenue for the youth to showcase their talents through dancing as they display their rich cultural heritage, wrestling competition and reuniting the sons and daughters of Bachama community. Nzeh anzo, which means a child is not a child, is an adage used to describe a man who participates in the wrestling competition. During the festival, the traditional monarch, the Homa Bachama, acknowledges the achievements of his people and sanctions those that violate the laws of the land. This festival draws the attention of people far and near. It begins with the women who showcase their cultural artefacts, which imply that women are not neglected in the affairs of their society. The wrestling competition also draws the attention of contestants across the various Bachama communities as it begins with one of the men picking sand in his hands and throwing it at his opponent, thereby inviting him for a wrestling contest. The competition is aimed at showcasing the strength of the youth in defence of their people and ability in farming. Women are not left out as they participate in the cultural dance of the wrestling competition too. They are highly respected in the Bachama society and are saddled with certain responsibilities, such as addressing certain issues that concern the welfare of the people. To ensure good harvest at the end of the farming season, sacrifices are made to the gods of the land. At the climax the ceremony, traditional delicacies of the people are served.