Annual buffalo fighting festival in Hai Luu, Lap Thach, Vinh Phuc is the most ancient festival in Vietnam.
According to the legend, the festival appeared in the 2nd century BC. When the Han invaded Nam Viet ruled by Trieu Da and the Trieu dynasty declined, Trieu’s mandarin, Lu Gia withdrew to Hai Luu mountainous area, Song Lo, Vinh Phuc to defeat the enemy. After every victory, Lu Gia held buffalo fighting festival to encourage his soldiers and fighting buffalos were killed to treat them. After the death of Lu Gia, local people in Hai Luu worship him as Tutelary God and the buffalo fighting festival started since then.
Some picture of the festival:
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Thousands in the audience enthusiastically watched the fight |
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After the qualifying matches, strongest buffaloes were selected for the final round. |
After the game, some buffaloes were slaughtered. Hundreds of people bought buffalo meat to get luck. The price for 1kg of fighting buffaloes is from VND500,000 (about $25) to VND2 million (about $100). The meat of the winning buffalo is priced up to VND3 million (about $150) per kilo.
