Gửi bình luận
The Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival in Hai Phong City is attractive to not only local residents but also a large number of foreign visitors.
Amazing maritime beliefs and community spirit
On the 9th day of every 8th lunar month, Do Son in Hai Phong becomes a gathering place for tens of thousands of visitors. As one of Viet Nam's oldest traditional festivals, the Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival attracts not only domestic visitors but also sparks the curiosity of many international tourists.
For many foreign visitors with a keen interest in culture, the festival is far more than a contest between two buffaloes. It is a spiritual ritual deeply rooted in the lives of coastal communities. The meticulous preparations, the grand scale of the event, its strong sense of community and the legends associated with the festival all greatly intrigue them.
Mark Reynolds, a 42-year-old cultural researcher from the UK, shared his impressions after watching the qualifying matches of the 2026 Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival from the grandstand: "Before coming to Hai Phong, I thought this was simply another version of Spain's bullfighting festival. But after witnessing the buffalo procession and listening to local residents’ explanations, I realized it is a ritual through which fishermen give thanks to the Sea God.
“The buffaloes do not fight purely for entertainment. Each buffalo represents an entire village and is carefully raised for years like a member of the family. The community spirit and the people's spiritual respect truly amazed me."
Sharing the same point of view, Jean-Luc Dupont, a 55-year-old visitor from France, was particularly impressed by the festival's vibrant traditional atmosphere.
"The enthusiasm in the grandstands is something I rarely see at modern European festivals. The skilled hands of the buffalo caretakers, the resounding festival drums and the colorful flags together create a lively heritage atmosphere. As tourists, we look for authentic experiences like this when visiting Viet Nam, a place where ancient traditions continue to thrive in modern life," said Dupont.
Deeper information for international visitors needed
Over the years, while the Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival has attracted considerable attention, it has also faced questions from the international community over the balance between preserving traditional heritage and meeting modern animal welfare standards. Some international tourism experts believe that more flexible event organization or more effective communication is needed to help visitors better understand the ritual's cultural significance.
Johnathan Miller, a 38-year-old Australian travel blogger, offered a balanced perspective: "I don't think the answer is to ban or abolish the festival, because it is part of Do Son's history. However, the organizers should provide accurate English-language guides or interpretation materials that explain its historical significance in greater depth, so international visitors can understand more than just what they see on the surface. At the same time, measures to ensure the safety of both the buffaloes and participants should be strengthened."
Through the eyes of international visitors, the Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival embodies both the marine spiritual beauty and the questions raised by modern society. The coexistence of admiration and debate reflects the enduring appeal of this heritage, encouraging people to reflect, engage in dialogue and seek a balance between preserving national identity and integrating into global culture.
THU HUONG
