Lima: The fighting begins and ends with a hug, part of a singular ritual that has residents of the Peruvian Andes punching and kicking in a year-end fight competition known as Takanakuy. Before the dueling starts in an open-air arena, male fighters remove their elaborate headgear -- stuffed birds, foxes or even goat heads worn as symbols of strength or to bring good luck.

Source: Manila Times January 01, 2024 22:10 UTC