This is one of the most distinctive cultural and sports activities closely associated with the spiritual life of the Khmer ethnic community in the Bay Nui region.

Attending the opening ceremony were Mr. Tong Phuoc Truong, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Head of the Provincial Party Committee’s Propaganda and Mass Mobilization Commission; Mr. Vo Nguyen Nam, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Permanent Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee of Provincial Agencies; Mr. Mai Hoang Khoi, Member of the Provincial Party Standing Committee and Secretary of the Rach Gia Ward Party Committee; and Mr. Le Trung Ho, Provincial Party Committee Member and Vice Chairman of the An Giang Provincial People’s Committee.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice Chairman of the An Giang Provincial People’s Committee Le Trung Ho stated that this year’s 30th Bay Nui Ox Racing Festival for the An Giang Television (ATV) Cup brought together 64 outstanding ox pairs from 10 communes and wards in the province, including Tri Ton, Ba Chuc, O Lam, Co To, Vinh Gia, An Cu, Nui Cam, Giang Thanh, Chi Lang ward, and Tinh Bien ward. He emphasized that this was truly a grand festival, where strong ox pairs guided by experienced and skilled handlers promised to deliver thrilling, dramatic, and emotional races for the audience.

Bay Nui Ox Racing Festival originates from the traditional customs of the Khmer people. It was originally held at pagodas during the Sene Dolta festival as a recreational activity that fostered community bonding, expressed gratitude to ancestors, and prayed for abundant harvests. Initially, it began as contests in ploughing fields.

Gradually, Khmer monks organized ox races on the temple fields, with the prestigious prize for the winning pair being a ceremonial bell.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Thu Ha, 77 years old, from Ho Chi Minh City, shared: “This is the first time my family and I have come to watch the ox races in person, and I feel very excited and happy. I’ve often watched it on television every year, but seeing it live this time feels so joyful and crowded.”

Mr. Le Quang Liem, also from Ho Chi Minh City, commented: “This festival gathers many ox pairs from surrounding localities to compete here. It is a community event that promotes unity through this long-standing traditional festival of the local people. This year’s festival is particularly grand, bringing together many local residents as well as visitors and ethnic communities from across the country. I find it very exciting and enjoyable.”

Over the years, the festival has grown from a community folk game into a more organized and larger-scale event. Today, the Bay Nui Ox Racing Festival has become a unique cultural and sports event at the provincial level. It has been recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, closely tied to the image of the Bay Nui region, and has become a source of pride for the people of An Giang.

Through 30 editions, the Bay Nui Ox Racing Festival has contributed to preserving and promoting the unique cultural values of the Khmer people, encouraging physical training and sports movements, creating a space for solidarity among ethnic groups, and promoting the image of a peaceful and hospitable An Giang to friends both domestically and internationally.

Reported by Nhu Ngoc

Translated by Kim Thuan