Buffalo fighting festival wins National Intangible Cultural Heritage title

Nhan Dan – The unique buffalo fighting festival, held annually in Do Son district, Hai Phong city on the ninth day of the eighth lunar month, has been acknowledged as a national intangible cultural heritage.

Friday, September 13, 2013 04:49

Buffalo fighting (Photo: dantri.com.vn)

The awards ceremony which was held on September 12 also featured a 60-minute programme enacting the festival’s traditional rituals.

The festival was first held one thousand years ago under the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong to pray for favourable weather condition and prosperity. It was recognised as one of 15 major festivals nationwide by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism in 2000.

The 2013 buffalo fighting festival kicks off this morning at the Do Son district stadium, which is expected to cheer spectators 15 exciting games.