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A Peruvian town has a novel way of settling their disputes and once a year, everyone who has a beef gets together and throws down with their fists.

Santo Tomás is the capital of the Chumbivilcas province in the Peruvian Andes, and with only 3 police officers and the nearest courts a gruelling 12-hour drive away, they have been relying on an ancient tradition to sort out conflicts that arise among the locals.

Called Takanakuy, these fights begin and end with hugs, but in between the ‘aggrieved’ parties are allowed to wallop each other until their issues are settled. Once a year, between the 24th and 26th of December, people can settle outstanding disagreements by fighting in a public arena, in front of their cheering community.

Biting, hair-pulling, and hitting someone when they are down are not allowed, and if anyone gets too agro, there are judges holding whips around the ‘arena’ to get them back on track.

In the local tongue of Quechua, Takanakuy is derived from “Takar” “to hit” and “Nakuy” meaning “reciprocally”. The origins of the festival are unclear. Some say it comes from Indigenous ritual traditions; others think it dates back to the Spanish invasion in the 16th century when Indigenous people and colonisers would often clash.

Either way, it resembles a huge festival instead of a mass brawl, and as mentioned, combatants finish off their fights with a hug. Festival goers enjoy food and loads of alcoholic beverages as they gather around for the dusty fights.

“The Chumbivilcanos are used to fighting against the elements,our blood is boiling, fighting gives you a sense of satisfaction.”

For the day of Takanakuy, all social status is suspended and employees can fight their bosses, or even siblings can fight each other or their parents. Women are an integral part of the celebration and often take to the practice as enthusiastically as the men. People of every age – from small children to old people – can participate.

Importantly, there is no winner when it comes to Takanakuy. People fight until they have vented, or feel they have made their point, and then they hug it out.

It sounds very brutal, but in a way, it is very human. As a tradition observed by everyone it can almost be considered healthy, and in any case much better than brandy-fuelled barfights at Stones.

We’re just not sure if this would work in our overstressed and agro South African climate.

[source:vice]