The Karen people are among the ethnic groups most severely affected by Burma’s military regime. While many Karen live in southern
and southeastern Burma, the majority today reside in Thailand, where they form one of the country’s largest minority groups.
and southeastern Burma, the majority today reside in Thailand, where they form one of the country’s largest minority groups.
During our trip, Zaw Naing invites us to celebrate Karen New Year at a local lethwei event — Burma’s traditional form of bare-knuckle boxing. In a worn-down outdoor arena outside Rangoon, the air is thick with heat, beer and betel, and the stands are packed with families celebrating the holiday.
Karen fighters are known for their toughness and skill. Unlike Muay Thai, lethwei allows no protective gear beyond simple hand wraps. Blood flows freely in the ring, fights are briefly stopped and resumed, and knockouts are met with roaring cheers from the crowd.
Beyond the celebration lies a harsher reality. Karen groups have long fought the military junta under the Karen National Liberation Army, a conflict that has dramatically reduced their numbers and continues to affect Karen communities to this day. But inside the arena, for now, it is New Year — and a moment of shared celebration.
