Painted tortoises race for prizes in colorful Venezuelan celebration

Residents of San Francisco de Asis in Venezuela's Aragua state celebrated the feast day of Saint Francis of Assisi on Friday, October 3, with a tortoise race featuring 80 painted and decorated competitors, the largest participation in recent years.  

Children and adults gathered outside the San Francisco de Asis church to cheer on their tortoises, luring them toward the finish line with lettuce as part of what organizer Manuel Franco described as a beloved tradition done "with enthusiasm" to entertain the community, especially children.  

The winning tortoise, a 20-year-old named Roberto owned by Victor Martinez, claimed first place in his debut race.  

According to resident Claudia Barrios, the tortoise races have become "one of the most striking and emblematic events" of the annual patron saint festivities.  

The celebration precedes October 4, the official feast day commemorating the life of Saint Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals. — Reuters