Spain has its toreadors, Houston its rodeo and Sweetwater the rattlesnake. For four days in March, the reptile provides family entertainment at the Sweetwater stadium, a village 160 kilometres west of Midland, in the U.S. state of Texas. Since 1958, the annual Sweetwater Jaycees Rattle Snake Round up has been held here, a 'tradition', originally intended to maintain the population of the poisonous snake in the region.

A month before the oldest and largest #slangenfestival of Texas hunters expel snakes in the surrounding area from their burrows using gasoline. About 1,000 kilograms of snakes that are exploited in this way are milked in front of the day trippers and subsequently killed, decapitated, skinned and eaten. An equal proportion of the snakes are sold alive to traders.

The four-day event brings about two million dollars into the municipal treasurer of the 11,000 inhabitants village. The approximately 30,000 visitors can take part in the skinning and eat fried snake meat. Self-skinning a snake costs $10, taking the skin home another $10 extra. There are also snake yachts organized for tourists, there is a fair, a parade, a miss election, a gun show and (of course I would almost say) a barbecue. Children can dip their hand in a bucket of snake blood and leave their handprint on a white wall. There are also several prizes to earn. The more cruel, the better?

The snakes are not properly taken care of during the time between the capture and the festival. They are emaciated and lifeless. There are also rumors that the population of rattlesnakes in the area is in danger of endangering. The use of petrol in the snake caves is obviously very bad for the environment. This is another fine example of the abuse of the word 'tradition' when millions can be made on the backs of animals. Of course, there are plenty of stupid and cruel tourists for this disgusting 'festival'.

Sweetwater Jaycees World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup
hero the 2nd weekend in March

Source: VADT Blog #dierenleed