Head to the highlands of Nghe An to watch the Hmong people's bullfighting festival.
(Baonghean.vn) - Bullfighting is a unique cultural activity of the Mong people in the highlands of Nghe An, demonstrating their martial spirit and close bond with their family's livestock. These bullfights bring excitement, suspense, and exhilaration to the residents living in the mist-shrouded highlands.
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One morning in early July 2020, Mr. Xong Ba Denh from Ca Noi village, Na Ngoi commune (Ky Son district) led his family's largest and strongest bull to the arena to participate in the bullfighting festival. Mr. Denh wasn't the only one; many families with strong bulls from other villages also brought their bulls to participate, with the number of bull "fighters" reaching dozens. Photo: Cong Kien |
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That day, Xong Ba Denh's bull competed against Gia Ba Chu's bull (white). The two "fighters" were of similar size 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 had won many fights. Photo: Cong Kien |
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| The two "fighters" engaged in a fierce battle, employing many dangerous moves to confuse their opponent, causing them to make mistakes and forcing them to flee. Photo: Cong Kien |
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| In a sudden turn of events, Già Bá Chư's bull quickly used its horns to chop the opponent's nose to the ground, putting the opponent at a disadvantage. Photo: Công Kiên |
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| Pinned down by its opponent and facing the risk of eye injury, Mr. Xong Ba Denh's black bull was finally forced to flee, ending the black bull's undefeated streak. The victory went to Mr. Gia Ba Chu's bull. To ensure the safety of the spectators, the organizers assigned strong young men with poles and nooses 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-robin format, with the winning bulls advancing to the next round, culminating in a final match to determine the champion. That day, the championship went to the bull belonging to Old Man Ba Chu 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 Old Man Ba Chu and his white "fighter." After the bullfight in the village, whether they win or lose, the "fighter" bulls continue to be cared for by their owners, becoming a valuable asset to the family. They will continue to participate in subsequent bullfights. Old Man Ba Chu confided that to have a healthy bull, he has to take care of it regularly. Every day, in addition to grazing it in the fields, he also gives it milk and grass in the evening. The winning bull is a source of pride for the whole family and the entire village.Photo: Cong Kien |
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| Bullfighting has long been a tradition of the Hmong community. Whenever a bullfight takes place, people of all ages and genders gather at the arena to watch and cheer on their village's bulls. The villagers jokingly say, "Whenever there's something to celebrate, we bring our bulls to a bullfight. Thanks to bullfighting, the Hmong people are more closely bonded." (Photo: Cong Kien) |
| A fierce battle between two bull "fighters". Video: Cong Kien |