Ox Racing at Khmer Dolta Festival (An Giang)

In a vibrant atmosphere following a bountiful summer-autumn harvest, the Khmer community in An Giang and neighboring southern provinces like Soc Trang and Ninh Thuan is eagerly preparing for their annual Dolta Festival, set to take place from September 26 to 29, 2025.

This festive event features a variety of cultural activities unique to the Khmer people, including rituals to honor their gods and ancestors, as well as traditional dance and music performances. A highlight of the festivities will be the captivating Ox Racing, which occurs right in the rice fields. In this thrilling competition, 38 pairs of oxen will have the chance to race in the finals, vying not only for physical prizes but also for the respect and pride of their owners.

Festival-goers will be able to immerse themselves in the rich local culture and enjoy an array of joyful celebrations. Moreover, attendees can savor a selection of traditional Khmer dishes that are unique to this community and not available elsewhere.

The Dolta Festival is regarded as one of the two major celebrations of the year for the Khmer community, the other being the Chol Chnam Thmay Festival. The primary purpose of Dolta is to honor their ancestors and commemorate the souls of the deceased while also expressing gratitude to the agricultural heritage and the hard work of farmers.

As of 2025, approximately 87,000 Khmer people reside in An Giang. With a total of about 1.1 million Khmer living in southern Vietnam, they continue to play a vital role in the cultural diversity and overall development of the region.