Ox Racing at Khmer Dolta Festival

In a delightful atmosphere following a successful bumper crop season, the Khmer community in An Giang and other southern provinces such as Soc Trang and Ninh Thuan is excitedly preparing for their annual Dolta Festival, which will take place from 25 to 28 September 2025.

This event features a variety of cultural activities that showcase the rich traditions of the Khmer people, including rituals to honor their gods and ancestors, along with traditional music and dance performances. One of the highlights of the festival is the captivating “Ox Racing” event, which occurs in the rice fields. A total of 38 pairs of oxen will be selected for the final competition, contending not just for physical rewards but also for the respect and admiration of their owners.

Travelers participating in the Dolta Festival will have the unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the local culture and enjoy a plethora of lively festival activities. Moreover, a selection of distinct Khmer dishes, unavailable elsewhere in the world, will also be served, offering a culinary experience unlike any other.

The Dolta Festival is regarded as the second most significant event of the year for the Khmer community, following the Chol Chnam Thmay Festival. The festival primarily aims to honor local ancestors and pray for the souls of the deceased while simultaneously expressing gratitude for agricultural practices and recognizing the hard work of farmers.

Currently, there are approximately 90,000 Khmer people residing in An Giang. With around 1.2 million Khmer residents in southern Vietnam, their contributions significantly enrich the cultural diversity and overall development of the region.