Ox racing, a distinctive feature of Khmer ethnic culture, attracted 100,000 visitors to an event in An Giang last weekend, helping to bolster the Mekong Delta province’s tourism.
Eight pairs of oxen participated in a race in Soai Chek Stadium of Tri Ton District on Saturday as part of the paragliding event “Flying on Phung Hoang Son”. The event was organized by local authorities in coordination with the Hanoi Paragliding Association to promote the destination and diversify local tourism to attract more visitors. |
Because the race took place as Tri Ton entered the dry season from December to May next year, water spanning the track rapidly evaporated. Some photographers commented that this year’s bull race had failed to make a splash as during prior occasions. |
Some oxen wear rosewood bead necklaces for good luck. Such a necklace is also a reward to pairs of oxen for their good plowing and racing. |
Oxen compete across a 5.5 ha area in Soai Chek. |
Spectators endured the scorching sun from around 7 a.m. until the race ended around 11 a.m. |
In addition to the bull race, visitors also enjoyed paragliding performances featuring nearly 90 gliders from Hanoi, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Ho Chi Minh City. Each departed from Co To Mountain, known as Phung Hoang Son Mountain, and flew over Ta Pa rice fields before landing in the bull race field, all in Tri Ton District. |