Although there was heavy rain, the festival still attracted a large number of local people and visitors. Festival goers enjoyed electrifying battles between 16 buffaloes from Do Son district’s wards that had progressed through the qualifying round held two months before.

After 15 matches, fighting buffalo No.23 was crowned the champion, bringing its owner, Hoang Dinh Du from Minh Duc ward, a cash prize of VND 70 million. This is second consecutive time Minh Duc ward has claimed first prize at the annual festival.

Buffalo No.6 came in second while buffalo’s No.27 and No.32 shared third place.

The traditional festival, which is held annually on the ninth day of the eighth lunar month, not only expresses the martial spirit of the local people but also helps promote the locality’s image and tourism potential.

The unique buffalo fighting festival was recently recognised as national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.