Image: Unknown author, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
TL;DR: The Bảy Núi Buffalo Racing Festival is a unique agricultural cultural activity of the Khmer people in An Giang, held during the Sene Dolta festival. It is a popular sporting playground where 'jockeys' control buffalo pairs pulling harrows on waterlogged fields, showcasing skill and community solidarity. Also known as Bảy Núi Cow Racing Festival for the An Giang Television Cup, Traditional Chùa Rô Cow Racing Festival.
What is the Bảy Núi Buffalo Racing Festival?
The Bảy Núi Buffalo Racing Festival is a unique form of agricultural festival of the Khmer ethnic people in An Giang province, mainly in Tri Tôn district and Tịnh Biên town. It is not only an exciting sport and entertainment activity but also a symbol of traditional cultural beauty imbued with humanity, reflecting the rich spiritual life of farmers in the Bảy Núi area after hard working hours.
Summary table of milestones and regulations related to the Bảy Núi cow racing festival.
| Milestone | Event | Related agency |
|---|---|---|
| Annually, 29/8 to the 1st of the 9th lunar month | Organized during the Sene Dolta Festival | |
| 2004 | Upgraded into a traditional cultural festival of the province, expanded in scale | An Giang Provincial People's Committee |
| 2016 | Included in the list of national intangible cultural heritage | Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism |
| 27/2/2020 | Approved the project to preserve and promote the heritage value for the 2020-2025 period | An Giang Provincial People's Committee |
When did the Bảy Núi Buffalo Racing Festival begin?
Every year, the festival is held during the Sene Dolta ceremony, an important ancestor worship ritual of the Khmer people, taking place from the 29th of the 8th month to the 1st of the 9th month of the lunar calendar. In 2004, the An Giang Provincial People's Committee upgraded it into a traditional cultural festival of the province, expanding its scale. In 2016, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism officially recognized the festival as a national intangible cultural heritage.
What are the rules of the Bảy Núi buffalo race?
The race has very specific rules. Buffalo pairs compete one-on-one. The handler, called a "driver" or "nài bò", stands on a wooden harrow and uses a whip called "xalul" to urge the buffalo. If a pair runs off the track or the driver falls off the harrow, that pair is disqualified even if they cross the finish line first.
Track terrain
The track is a rectangular field, dug about 10cm deep and flooded with 5-10cm of water. The geology of this area is unique: a thin layer of mud over sand, allowing buffalo to run fast without sinking, while the harrow and driver glide over the mud. This is why buffalo racing can only be held in the Bảy Núi region.
How do you choose and care for a racing buffalo?
Experienced owners like Mr. Chau Song, who has been involved for 27 years, say that selecting and caring for racing buffalo is an art requiring great meticulousness.
What are the criteria for choosing a racing buffalo?
Racing buffalo are very valuable and must meet strict standards: tall stature, strong and round legs, small and tight hooves, large tendons, firm flesh, and evenly curved horns. A good buffalo can be worth 2-4 times a regular meat buffalo. However, if it breaks a leg during a race and must be sold for meat, the owner suffers a total loss.
Special care routine
Caring for racing buffalo is extremely demanding. Owners often use mosquito nets to protect them from insect bites, occasionally feed them eggs and sweet drinks for strength. Diet is strictly controlled: fresh young grass is given but dry straw is avoided to prevent sluggishness. Buffalo are also trained to tolerate heat and run long distances without getting exhausted or trying to throw their rider. They must get used to noise and crowds to avoid panicking on race day.
What does the Bảy Núi festival mean to the Khmer community?
The festival holds immense cultural and social significance. Initially a traditional Khmer activity, it now attracts Vietnamese participants and even buffalo from other Mekong Delta provinces and Cambodia. This demonstrates the festival's strong appeal and community bonding power, serving as vivid evidence of solidarity and connection among border region residents.
Pride of the community
A winning buffalo pair brings pride not only to the owner but to the entire village. Therefore, every participant showcases their skills and deep understanding of buffalo behavior to control them skillfully, avoiding being thrown off or running off the track at curves.
How is the Bảy Núi Buffalo Racing Festival preserved?
Recognizing the festival's value, on February 27, 2020, the An Giang Provincial People's Committee approved a project to preserve and promote this intangible cultural heritage for 2020-2025. The project focuses on researching, collecting, inventorying and digitizing materials; restoring related practices and rituals; and developing criteria for preserving racing buffalo breeds, care techniques, and handling skills. These efforts aim to safeguard and promote this unique cultural tradition, introducing An Giang's image to domestic and international visitors.
