Enjoy Caci dance performance

Not many visit rural Indonesia to see traditional performances. But if you get a chance, you must head to Milo Village in Flores, the gateway to Komodo Island. Caci dance is not just a dance but a ritual whip fight that originated as a sport of Manggarai people. The pageantry is filled with energy and colour. People from all over the village come over to watch the show. Traditionally, the sport is played between people of neighbouring villages. The men arrive, dressed in colourful attire, with whips and masks. Each aggressor gets a chance to strike his opponent, jumping in the air with a war cry. It’s all over within a second. He either hits or misses. Although it is called the battle dance, the sport is performed in good spirit. Filled with symbolism, it is also performed during marriages and other festivals.