Thousands of people braved the sun to watch the Bay Nui Bull Racing Festival

Thousands of people stood packed in the middle of the field to watch each bull race under the scorching sun.

The pair of oxen race fiercely to the finish line at the 30th ox racing festival - Photo: BUU DAU

On September 20, the People's Committee of An Giang province organized the Bay Nui Ox Racing Festival in Tri Ton commune. This is a unique cultural and sporting event of the Khmer people, contributing to preserving the identity and connecting the community on the occasion of Sene Dolta (ceremony to show gratitude to ancestors after the harvest).

This year's tournament has 64 pairs of oxen from the communes of Tri Ton, Ba Chuc, O Lam, Co To, Vinh Gia, An Cu, Nui Cam, Giang Thanh and the two wards of Chi Lang and Tinh Bien competing.

From early morning, thousands of people and tourists were present at the racetrack, many people jostled along the road to watch the pairs of oxen.

"Before, I only watched TV and knew about the Khmer bull racing culture, but I never watched it live. This time I came here to watch it and it was fun and strange," said Ms. Van, a resident of Ho Chi Minh City.

Despite the hot weather, thousands of people still braved the sun to watch the Khmer bull races - Photo: BUU DAU

The bull teams compete in a knockout format, losing once will result in elimination. The winning team continues to the next round. The organizing committee awards trophies, flags, gifts and cash to the following prizes: first, second, third, fourth, fourth consolation prizes and the title of "excellent bull rider".

The Bay Nui Bull Racing Festival has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage. After 30 editions, the festival has affirmed its position as a typical cultural and tourist event, becoming a highlight of the Bay Nui region and contributing to the socio -economic development of An Giang province.

According to Mr. Le Trung Ho, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, the bull racing festival originated from Khmer customs during the Sene Dolta ceremony. Initially, it was just a game in the temple yard for fun and to connect the villagers. Over time, its appeal has turned it into a large-scale festival, held annually and becoming a unique cultural beauty of the region.

Every time a pair of bulls enters the field, it attracts the attention of thousands of people watching each match - Photo: BUU DAU

Here are some images recorded by Tuoi Tre Online :

There are 64 bull racing pairs from 10 communes and wards in An Giang province - Photo: BUU DAU

Many people participate in the festival - Photo: BUU DAU

Indian tourists come to watch bull racing and check-in at the bull racing festival - Photo: BUU DAU

Many people climbed tall trees to watch the bull racing - Photo: BUU DAU

FIGHTING

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/hang-ngan-nguoi-doi-nang-xem-hoi-dua-bo-bay-nui-20250920165036545.htm