DENPASAR (indo.com): Travelers to Bali, especially Jembrana, will have a special treat when scores of decorated bulls are led to a field to join the unprecedented Balinese bull race. The peak day of the traditional bull race, known locally as 'Makepung', will be on October 21, 2001. More foreign travelers are recommended to witness the event on October 27.

The bull race is held twice a year, July and October, every Sunday morning.

Participants of the competition are mostly cultivators who have finished harvesting their own rice fields. Through the race, they are eager to express their delight for their good harvest.

The racing bulls are carefully selected in terms of strength and color. The privileged bulls are given special food and never used for plowing. They are decorated with painted horns and enormous wooden bells, with each pair having a silk banner attached to the harness.

The participants along with their competing bulls will parade in front of the spectators before the docile animals turn 'wild', demonstrating their strength, power and running speed in the ground. During the race, the charioteers usually stand up to encourage the bulls to run as fast as possible.

"It's really an exciting show," a foreign traveler commented.