People and tourists immerse themselves in the river to watch the dragon boat racing.

TPO - At noon on November 4, on the Maspéro River (Soc Trang Ward, Can Tho City), thousands of locals and tourists eagerly watched the speed race of 61 male and female boat teams from many localities in the Mekong Delta. To watch the boat race more closely, many locals and tourists did not hesitate to wade into the river and soak in the water.

Dramatic clip of Ngo boat racing at Ooc Om Boc Festival Can Tho 2025.

The traditional boat racing of the Khmer people is the main activity within the framework of the Ooc Om Boc Festival - Boat Racing of Can Tho City in 2025, considered the "king sport of the Khmer people in the South".

Mr. Nguyen Van Khoi - Vice Chairman of Can Tho City People's Committee emphasized that the Ooc Om Boc Festival - Ngo Boat Race in 2025 is a festival of solidarity and connection of ethnic groups in the area. After the merger, Can Tho has a population of over 3.2 million people, with 27 ethnic groups, of which the Khmer people account for more than 12.7%. The city is focusing on mobilizing resources to best care for the material and spiritual life of ethnic groups.

According to Mr. Khoi, the Ooc Om Boc Festival - Ngo boat racing is a long-standing cultural feature, symbolizing the spirit of solidarity and aspiration of the Khmer people in the South. In 2014, the festival was recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a national intangible cultural heritage, and in 2022, the Vietnam Guinness Book of Records set a record for "The festival with the largest number of Ngo boats and athletes in the country".

This year, the race took place over two days (November 4-5) with 61 male and female boat teams competing in two distances: 1,200m (men) and 1,000m (women). Ca Mau province alone had the most teams, with 13 teams. This year's race attracted hundreds of thousands of tourists and locals to both banks of the Maspéro River to watch.

Can Tho City leaders give support to Ngo boat teams participating in the tournament.

Despite the harsh midday sun, thousands of people still stood packed on both banks of the Maspéro River, cheering for the dragon boat teams who were eagerly entering the exciting competition.

To get a "close-up" look at the racetrack, many people do not hesitate to wade into the river to watch.

From the banks to the river, a bustling festival atmosphere covers the Maspero River as crowds of people flock to cheer on the competing dragon boat teams.

After the opening ceremony, the teams entered the qualifying round, the atmosphere on the Maspero River became exciting with fierce competition right from the first races.

The dragon boats glided quickly on the water, their oars rhythmically. The teams gave it their all, creating a breathtaking chase amid the enthusiastic cheers of spectators along the Maspero banks.

Cheers went up as crowds filled both banks to cheer on the competing teams.

Regarding the prize structure, the champion team receives 200 million VND; second prize 150 million VND; third prize 100 million VND and fourth prize 80 million VND. Photo: Nhat Huy.

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Source: https://tienphong.vn/nguoi-dan-du-khach-dam-minh-xuong-song-xem-dua-ghe-ngo-post1793322.tpo