A total of 25 stick-fighters squared off with each other at the St Mary's basketball court in Moruga on Friday to earn some extra money as the "Battle in the Gayelle" kicked off.
The event was organised by a villager Brenton Hamilton, who has been hosting the event for seven years with little sponsorship.
With T&T already facing an economic crunch, Hamilton said he had to fork out almost $200,000 to host the event which takes place every Friday over 11 weeks.
"I am thankful that Health and Herbs supported me but nobody else contributed," Hamilton said. More than 3,000 people attended the event.
Spectators threw money in the centre of the ring and the stick fighters got ready to fight. Unlike the stick-fighting competition hosted by the National Carnival Commission, there was no appearance fee given to the fighters.
Those who dared to enter the ring did so at their own cost. Their only reward would be to emerge the victor and claim the cash reward from the ring.
Hamilton said because of the economic downturn many players came forward.
"We had about 25 fighters. We do not charge the public any entrance fee to enter the gayelle. Everything is free and the fighters get whatever is in the ring," Hamilton said. Asked why he continued to host the event with little support, Hamilton said culture was important to him.
"This is what gives me inspiration. I love to see so many people coming here to participate in our culture. I want the government to come on board and support us. This is the only event that brings so many people to Moruga. We have people from Diego Martin here. One family from Miami is here as well. We get people from all parts of the region, Gran Chemin, Sixth Company, Fifth Company, Marac, La Lune, Princes Town, Penal, Barrackpore, San Fernando," Hamilton said.
Asked whether stick-fighting is a dying art form, Hamilton said not in Moruga. He said his family organises hampers and small cash prizes for the players but without financial support, they could not offer more.
Fighter Kenson Woods said this year people did not offer much money in the ring.
"People have us fighting for $1,000 or $1,500. When we fight with NCC we get up to $5,000. This stick-fighting is not easy. It is life and death. You could lose an eye, or even your life," Woods said.
Another fighter Kester Stoute praised Hamilton for the initiative. He said while the prizes were minimal, Hamilton's efforts to keep the art form alive was commendable.
Anyone interested in sponsoring the event which will take place for 10 more weeks can contact Hamilton at 383-0823.