Buffalo Fighting Festival in Phu Ninh

To preserve and consolidate the cultural values of the nation, the government has restored a traditional event in Phu Ninh Village, Phu Tho Province called the Buffalo Fighting Festival after 60 years of being dormant. This unique festival is now celebrated on the 14th and 15th days of the second month of the lunar calendar.

The Buffalo Fighting Festival has its roots in the era of the Hung Kings. Historically, there was a market in Phu Ninh known as Ham Rong Market, which was held only twice a year. During one of these markets, the generals of the Hung Kings witnessed two tigers battling each other. To protect the villagers from potential harm, a general killed the two tigers. In recognition of this event, the villagers established Ham Rong Market, which continued to be a venue for trade and the buffalo fighting festival.

The festival reflects various facets of agricultural life in Phu Ninh. The buffaloes that participate are treated with great care, as if they were family members. Four villages partake in the festival: Cao, Phu Man, Ngoc Tru, and Ngoc Khoi. Each village selects a strong black male buffalo to rear and prepare for the tournament. When the festival day arrives, participants wash the buffaloes and offer them half a liter of water. On the fifth day, the buffaloes are matched into two pairs. The two losing buffaloes are traditionally slaughtered to provide a feast for the villagers, while the two winning buffaloes continue to compete on the tenth day.

Once the cooking is complete, the buffalo meat is served on banana leaves instead of traditional plates, and placed in the center of the market to mark the beginning of the worship ceremony. Following this, all villagers gather to celebrate the occasion right at the site!