Go to the highlands of Nghe An to see the Mong people's bull fighting festival
(Baonghean.vn) - Bullfighting is a unique cultural activity of the Mong people in the highlands of Nghe An, demonstrating martial spirit and attachment to family pets. Bullfighting has brought excitement, thrill and joy to the residents living on the misty peaks.
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One morning in early July 2020, Mr. Xong Ba Denh in Ca Noi village, Na Ngoi commune (Ky Son) led his family's biggest and strongest bull to the field to participate in the bullfighting festival. Not only Mr. Denh, but many families with strong bulls in other villages also brought their bulls to participate in the bullfighting festival, the number of bull "fighters" reached dozens. Photo: Cong Kien |
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That day, Xong Ba Denh's bull competed with Gia Ba Chu's bull (white). The two "fighters" had similar sizes and horns. Chu's bull rarely participated in fights in the village because its owner often worked far away. Meanwhile, Denh's black-haired bull won many fights. Photo: Cong Kien |
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| The two "fighters" entered the fight fiercely with many dangerous moves to confuse the opponent, leading to an opening, forcing them to run away. Photo: Cong Kien |
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| In an unexpected situation, Gia Ba Chu's cow quickly used its horn to chop the opponent's nose to the ground, putting the opponent in a passive position. Photo: Cong Kien |
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| Being pinned down by the opponent, at risk of eye injury, Mr. Xong Ba Denh's black bull was finally forced to run away, ending the unbeaten streak of the black bull "fighter". The victory belonged to Gia Ba Chu's bull. To ensure the safety of the people watching the bullfight, the Organizing Committee assigned strong young men, holding poles and nooses, ready to prevent the aggressive bulls from advancing towards the audience. Photo: Cong Kien |
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| Bullfighting festivals are usually organized in a round-by-round format, with the "fighters" who win each round being selected to compete in the next round, and finally the final match to determine the champion. That day, the championship went to Gia Ba Chu's bull after defeating its opponent in the final match. Photo: Cong Kien |
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| At the end of the match, the villagers came out to congratulate Gia Ba Chu and the white "fighter". After the village's bullfight, whether they win or lose, the bull "fighters" continue to be taken care of by their owners, becoming a great asset to the family. And they continue to participate in the next bullfights. Gia Ba Chu confided that to have a healthy bull, he has to take care of it regularly. Every day, in addition to grazing it on the fields, he also gives it milk grass at night. The winning bull is a source of pride for the whole family and the whole village.Photo: Cong Kien |
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| Bullfighting has long been a tradition of the Mong community. Whenever there is a bullfighting festival, people, regardless of age or gender, gather at the fighting ground to watch and cheer for their village's bulls. The villagers jokingly say: "Whenever our people have fun, they take their bulls to the fight. Thanks to the bullfighting festival, the Mong people are more connected to each other." Photo: Cong Kien |
| Fierce fight between two bull "fighters". Clip: Cong Kien |
