DAILY STAR
A village holds bloody grudge matches in a Christmas Day fighting tradition where long-held resentments are hashed out.
While most Christmases involve some kind of family disagreement, one village has taken this to an incredible extreme – holding a festival that involves eating and drinking, music and dancing… and a series of no-holds-barred punch-ups.
The Christmas chaos is called Takanakuy, translating to “when the blood is boiling” in Quechua, and takes place in the Peruvian province of Chumbivilcas. Anyone nursing a grudge over the last year can call out another villager’s name, with the fighters then wrapping their knuckles in cloth before stepping into a circle to have it out.s
Fighters often disguise themselves by masking up so employees can take on their bosses without fear, but thankfully a referee is called in for the festive fist-up so no crazy damage is done.
There’s also a variety of “character” costumes to choose from, including a lobster and cowboy, if you’re feeling particularly fun.
Like most battles the fight ends when one person gets knocked out or the ref decides the match can’t go on, while spectators are kept under control by assistant referees carrying whips.
