Dak Lak’s authorities will replace the traditional buffalo stabbing ceremony at annual Buon Don Elephant Racing Festival this year with a symbolic ritual as part of an effort to stop violent activities at festivals.

Buffalo stabbing ceremony

Bui Van Khoi from Dak Lak Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said on February 24 that, "The buffalo stabbing will be replaced with a symbolic ritual in accordance with Circular 15 issued by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism."

Real buffalo will continue to be used in non-sacrificial rituals. The department is considering the use of fake buffalo for the stabbing ceremony.

Buon Don Elephant Racing Festival is held on even years and has a wide range of activities and ceremonies including buffalo stabbing, elephant hunting and elephant football.

The buffalo stabbing ceremony was held to pray for bountiful crops, health and prosperity.

The festival will run from March 12-14.

Earlier this year, the buffalo fighting festival in Phuc Tho District was cancelled because of claims of cruelty to animals.

Authorities started tightening the monitoring of local festivals after the Animals Asia Foundation called on authorities of Bac Ninh Province to end the pig slaughtering tradition during Nem Thuong Festival last year.

The pigs suffered being spread-eagled then decapitated while alive in front of a baying crowd, with local people mopping up the blood with bank notes, believing this would bring good luck for the whole year.

Dtinews