The Zliten International Festival of Folk Horsemanship has successfully gone global, following a well-received inaugural event in western Libya last year. This equestrian festival is one of several celebrations showcasing Libya’s rich horse-riding traditions, featuring a range of equestrian skills, poetry recitations, and traditional craftsmanship.
The festival drew large crowds, who cheered as riders showcased their skills on horses adorned with vibrant, handmade saddles. Participants competed wearing traditional Libyan white and black uniforms, highlighting the country’s cultural heritage. According to Mustafa al-Jahawi, a festival participant, horsemanship is deeply rooted in Libya’s history and remains relevant to its present. He emphasized that the festival sends a message of peace and unity, both domestically and internationally, demonstrating that Libyans are a united people despite their differences.
Libya has faced significant challenges in recent years, including a NATO-backed uprising in 2011 that led to the overthrow and killing of longtime autocrat Muammar Gaddafi. The country has since been fragmented, with rival administrations in the east and west, each backed by armed groups and foreign governments. Currently, Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbehiba’s government governs the country from Tripoli, while the administration of Prime Minister Ossama Hammad governs eastern Libya.
Despite these challenges, the festival has provided an opportunity for Libyans to learn about their roots and showcase their heritage, traditions, and customs to the world. As noted by Noureddine Abu Sbeih, a resident of Zliten, the event represents a gateway to Libya’s rich cultural heritage. The festival also drew participation from neighboring countries, including Tunisia and Algeria, according to organizers.
The two-day festival, which concluded on November 22, highlighted the importance of preserving and promoting Libya’s equestrian traditions. By sharing these traditions with the world, Libyans aim to change perceptions abroad and promote a message of peace and unity. As the country continues to navigate its complex political landscape, events like the Zliten International Festival of Folk Horsemanship serve as a reminder of the importance of cultural heritage and national identity.
