Despite international and local criticism about animal cruelty, the annual Pig Slaughter Ceremony in Bac Ninh Province went ahead on February 24 with participants maintaining they want to keep traditional customs alive.

 VietNamNet Bridge - The Vietnamese people should have strong views on cultural issues of the country because they are an integral part of their culture.

 VietNamNet Bridge –  Elderly villagers of Nem Thuong Village oppose a proposal to rename the controversial pig-chopping festival held every year.

 VietNamNet Bridge - While folklore experts said that this festival - with noble purpose – has overcome its seemingly barbaric form, educational experts have suggested that it should be eliminated because of its negative impact on children.

Many people from Nem Thuong Village say the pig-chopping rite aims to educate children about the heroic, indomitable tradition and the spirit of solidarity felt against the enemy of the army, led by the village tutelary.

 VietNamNet Bridge - "Chopping a live healthy pig is cruel behavior, and it hardens the feelings of viewers, especially children," said Nguyen Thanh Tam, of the Animals Asia Foundation (AAF), in an interview with VNE.