Tourists flock to the Bay Nui area of ​​An Giang to watch the traditional bull racing festival.

VHO - On September 20, at Ta Pa - Soai Chek Sports - Tourism Complex (Tri Ton commune, An Giang province), the 30th Bay Nui Bull Racing Festival for An Giang Television Cup 2025 officially opened, attracting thousands of people and tourists from inside and outside the province to watch and cheer.

Bull racing pairs prepare to compete

This year, the racing festival gathered 64 excellent pairs of oxen from 10 communes and wards in the province, including: Tri Ton, Ba Chuc, O Lam, Co To, Vinh Gia, An Cu, Nui Cam, Giang Thanh, Chi Lang ward and Tinh Bien ward. The pairs of oxen will compete in a draw and knockout format, with two rounds: the shouting round - demonstrating harmony and perseverance; and the releasing round - the decisive breakthrough stage, bringing about thrilling and attractive competitions.

The Bay Nui bull racing festival originated from the traditional customs of the Khmer people during the Sene Dolta festival, as a fun activity, connecting the community, expressing gratitude to ancestors and praying for a bountiful harvest. Initially, it was just a bull racing around the pagoda with the prize being a prestigious bell, but over time, the racing festival was expanded and organized on a larger and more systematic scale. Since 1992, the event has become an annual activity, closely associated with the agricultural production life and rice culture of the Khmer people in the Bay Nui region.

Up to now, the Bay Nui Bull Racing Festival has been recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, becoming the pride of the people of An Giang. Through 29 times of organization, the event not only contributes to preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values ​​of the Khmer people, but also promotes the sports movement, creates a playground for solidarity between ethnic groups, and at the same time promotes the image of a peaceful and hospitable An Giang to domestic and foreign friends.

Two pairs of oxen compete to the finish line

During the festival, the vibrant and bustling atmosphere spread throughout the racetrack with the bustling sound of five-tone drums and the loud cheers of thousands of spectators. To prepare for the tournament, the cow owners have painstakingly selected, cared for and trained, helping to bring about fierce and dramatic competitions, creating a festival atmosphere typical of the Bay Nui region.

Many foreign tourists, photographers and people came to watch the bull racing.

The Bay Nui bull racing festival is not only a unique folk sport, but also an attractive cultural and tourist highlight, contributing to bringing the image of An Giang closer to domestic and foreign tourists.

Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/the-thao/du-khach-no-nuc-tim-ve-vung-bay-nui-an-giang-xem-hoi-dua-bo-truyen-thong-169435.html