Viral video shows guests firing rifles throughout wedding celebration on public road. The custom, called al-baroud, is meant to display courage and strength, but continues to cause serious casualties.
A video circulating online shows a wedding celebration in Algeria where multiple guests are seen holding rifles and firing them throughout the event. The most prized weapon in these displays is a 12-gauge shotgun.
Throughout the footage, different individuals join in one after another, drawing their weapons and firing as part of the wedding festivities. The celebration continues alongside the shooting, with participants gathered in the street surrounded by vehicles.
In Algeria, gunfire during joyous occasions is not necessarily a random occurrence. In parts of the country, there exists a tradition called "al-baroud," or "the powder game," in which shooting firearms is integrated into displays, processions and festive events, including weddings.
The roots of the custom are connected to equestrian traditions in Islam and to performances meant to demonstrate courage, strength and mastery of weapons. Over the years, the practice has also taken on social significance and become part of events where organizers seek to give the celebration power and impact.
In Islam, the sound of gunfire serves as a kind of loud announcement that a major and important event is taking place, and at weddings it may accompany the procession of the bride and groom.
But this "tradition" exacts a heavy price. A report published in Algeria described how celebratory gunfire at weddings continues to cause serious injuries and even deaths, as accidents occur from careless use of rifles and explosives.
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