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Every year the Kazakh Eagle Hunters of Western Mongolia migrate with all their livestock (numbering 1000s including sheep, goats, cows) to their summer homes. They travel as much as 100 miles from their winter home to find a new place where to find food for their livestock. They are accompanied by their camels who help them carry things they need during migration. The weather is excruciatingly bad, with temperatures plummeting to -40C.
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Kukeri (are elaborately costumed Bulgarian men who perform traditional rituals intended to scare away evil spirits) -- in Blagoevgrad, Bulgaria
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A Mongolian wrestler in traditional wrestling attire (zodog).
The wrestling attire is different for men and women and it has a history. According to legend, a female wrestler once defeated all other combatants and ripped open the zodog to reveal her breasts, showing to all she was a woman. From that day, the zodog had to reveal the wrestler's chest.
Also, the wrestlers are not supposed to show-off after a victory, which is why all of them perform a choreographed sequence of steps before and after the match - in Bayan Olgii Province, Western Mongolia
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A horse race is one of the three main sporting events which is a must for a Mongolian man to participate (and know about). This photo was taken in winter. Most Kazakh weddings in Western Mongolia (which has a healthy Kazakh population) are accompanied by a horse race , organized by the family.
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One of Three "Manly" Games of Mongolians, is archery. Archery is the most popular game among Mongolians an integral part of Mongolian ancient history and culture.
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Blanket Toss (Nalukataq) whaling festival of Iñupiat Eskimos in Barrow Alaska. Successful whale hunting team organizes the festival to share the hunted whale with the community. Blanket is made from bearded seal skin
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St Jordan's Day:
Bulgarian men march into the icy waters of the Tundzha River during a celebration.
On 6th January the Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrates Epiphany holiday. The holiday is known also as Jordan-day because, according to biblical legend on this day Jesus Christ was baptized in the River of Jordan by John the Baptist.
After the church service the priest throws a cross into the river and group of young men jump into the river to find it. It is believed that one who finds it will be healthy and happy. - in Kalofer, Bulgaria
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We found this group of wild wolf cubs in this valley, overlooking the Chinese border. They were being fed by a nomadic family (whose photo I posted few days back) but thats until they migrate (around September). Despite being orphaned, the wolves will develop their killer instincts and will be back into the wild. -- Altai Mountains, Western Mongolia
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One of the strangest things at a Kazakh wedding is a marketplace setup. On sale are candies , clothes , shoes and you name it. Possibly because weddings are the only places where people gather in large numbers, a rarity in an otherwise nomadic life of the people around -- in Western Mongolia.
