VietNamNet Bridge – To welcome the lunar New Year, goat fighting festivals were held in early March in the northern mountainous provinces of Ha Giang and Tuyen Quang.

In the spring, Ha Giang is bustling with dozens of festivals. Goat fighting is one of the most characteristic events held in many districts. The festivals originated from goats’ natural habits of fighting for food, territory, and mates.

In the district of Yen Minh, the goat fighting festival is held at the town stadium, with the participation of dozens of strong goats selected from local communes like Bach Dich, Lao Va Chai, Na Khe, Mau Due, Du Gia, and Lung Ho.

These goats weigh between 27-31 kg and they must satisfy the following criteria: have long beards and horns, strong muscles, be at least 3 years old, have clear origin. They also must be examined by veterinarians.

The goats are trained before the competitions.

The festival is an opportunity for local people to have fun after a year of hard work.

The competition in Yen Minh:

In the district of Ham Yen, in Tuyen Quang province, a goat fighting festival is held on February 26-27.

The criteria for goat fighters here are a little different from those in Yen Minh, Ha Giang. Goats must be at least 40kg in weight, and have a long beard, long horns and good muscles.

The festival attracts 16 "gladiators" belonging to farmers in the communes of Yen Phu, Phu Luu, Minh Dan, Hung Duc and Yen Lam.

The "goat gladiators" engage in fierce and appealing battles.

After the festival, the goats are brought home for training for the following year.

The highest prize is worth VND3 million ($150). The winner of this festival was the goat numbered 04 owned by Dang Van Phu from Yen Phu commune.

Photos of the Ham Yen goat fighting festival 2015:

Zing/Dan Viet