I was waiting at the airport to pick up a friend when I saw this stilt walker. With his colorful costume and height — he looked about 10 feet tall — he was impossible to miss in the crowd of people who, like me, had gathered at the arrival entrance of the airport.
I’ve seen this particular stilt walker, or someone else wearing a similar costume, in Montego Bay several times since then. They seem to be part of the entertainment for cruise ship passengers.
According to Wikipedia, stilt walking has been traced as far back to 6th century Greece. Stilt walkers have been seen in countries such as France, Spain, Mali and have been used in a variety of situations from farming and jousting. It’s hard to imagine walking on stilts much less walking and jousting, a 600 year old tradition in Namur, Belgium!
Stilts can be hand-held, strapped on, or made with springs that allow the stilt walker to run, jump, and perform other activities. Stilt walkers are popular forms of entertainment, especially at circuses and festivals.
While I don’t remember stilt walkers being part of Jamaica’s cultural history or repertoire, I do remember that at one time, houses, like the one I grew up in, were elevated. Having a house built off the ground allows air to circulate freely and keep it cool. It also helps to keep out insects and other unwanted pests, and protects the house if there is flooding.
July 27th is National Walk on Stilts Day, an unofficial holiday.
Sept. 16th – Linking up this week with Travel Photo Mondays, which Noel of Travel Photo Discovery organizes.
I have a hard enough time walking in my sneakers!
Marcia, to this day I can still remember the first time I saw a stilt walker as a little boy! I was absolutely fascinated that some was that tall! But, my grandmother attempted to explain to me that he was walking on “boards”. I can barely walk and chew gum so it’s amazing they have that kind of balance! 🙂
Hahaha, me too, Patti.
I can’t imagine doing it either, Mike. I guess they must do a lot of training, especially to walk on uneven surfaces.
Since the art of stilts is so old, any country of Europe knows this art. In my childhood we (my brothers, no, not me, lol) did it too, and I lived in the Netherlands. I wouldn’t know how to balance:)
Tis a very talented person who can walk on stilts.
So true, Ruth!
I loved your Segway to homes built up on stilts, we do the same here in Hawaii on post and pier type of foundations so the air can circulate and also keep the crawly bugs away, thanks for sharing Marcia.
Thanks, Noel. Sadly, most homes aren’t built that way anymore. I wish they’d bring that back as it does cool the house, especially, and protect property when there’s heavy rain and flooding.
Hahaha, me either! It takes great skill, I’m sure, and a lot of practice.