Close-up of the fierce fight between the pair of 'black boxers' behind the 'heavenly gate' of Muong Long in Nghe An
(Baonghean.vn) - Along with bullfighting, buffalo fighting is a cultural activity imbued with the cultural identity of the Mong people in Western Nghe An, demonstrating the martial spirit and love for animals of the community living on the mountain tops covered in mist all year round.
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| On a sunny and warm day after a long period of severe cold, the Mong people in Muong Long commune (Ky Son) organized a buffalo fighting festival. This is a cultural activity imbued with the cultural identity of the Mong people in Western Nghe An, demonstrating the martial spirit and love for animals of the community living on the mountain tops covered in fog all year round. Photo: Cong Kien |
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| Today, Mr. Lau Ba Tenh led his family's largest male buffalo to attend the buffalo fighting festival in the commune center. This buffalo has been raised by his family for many years and carefully cared for to serve plowing and pulling. Photo: Dinh Tuyen |
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| The buffaloes of Mr. Tenh and Mr. Mua No Vu opened the buffalo fighting festival in Muong Long. When their owners "threw" them onto the field, the two "black fighters" immediately approached each other to "fight". Photo: Cong Kien |
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| After a while of "welcoming" and probing, the pair of "black warriors" rushed into a fierce fight, using their large, hard, and sharp horns to deliver dangerous "attacks" to their opponents. The two sides were always in a stalemate, causing dust to fly everywhere, and the "bang bang" sound rang out when the horns collided. Photo: Dinh Tuyen |
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| The buffalo fighting festival in Muong Long attracts hundreds of people to cheer. Most spectators usually choose safe positions to watch, avoiding the risk of being hit by buffaloes when chasing each other. Photo: Dinh Tuyen |
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| An old man attentively watches the match between two "black boxers". Photo: Dinh Tuyen |
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| Many spectators used their phones to record the fierce fight between two buffaloes in Muong Long. According to the leader of Muong Long commune, along with bullfighting, the buffalo fighting festival is a cultural activity that has been preserved since ancient times, contributing to bringing joy to the village. Nowadays, buffalo and bull fighting festivals are also organized to serve tourists. To ensure the safety of spectators, the fighting arena is often carefully fenced and there are regular forces holding poles and sticks with nooses to prevent the "fighters" from chasing each other on the arena. Photo: Dinh Tuyen |
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| Nearly 30 minutes had passed but the opening match between the "black boxers" was still in a stalemate, with no clear winner, even though both sides had used all their moves to show their strength. Photo: Cong Kien |
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| Finally, with the advantage of size and strength, Lau Ba Tenh's buffalo won. Buffalo and cow fighting competitions are held on happy occasions, bringing excitement to the local community. Therefore, whether winning or losing, the buffalo and cows are brought back by the people to continue raising and caring for plowing and preparing for the following competitions. Photo: Cong Kien |
| Clip of two "black boxers" opening the buffalo fighting competition in Muong Long (Ky Son). Clip: Cong Kien - Dinh Tuyen |
