The Ro Pagoda Ox Racing Festival is a unique cultural and sporting tradition of the Khmer people in the Bay Nui region in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang. Held annually during the Sene Dolta Festival, a ceremony to honor ancestors, the event is a lively celebration that also acts as a prayer for good weather and a bumper harvest.
This year, the festival was also a special occasion to celebrate Vietnamese National Day, drawing thousands of locals and international tourists.
The atmosphere is electric as the race unfolds right in the flooded rice field near the pagoda. A record 32 pairs of oxen compete, drawing enthusiastic crowds and hundreds of photographers eager to capture the exciting action.
More than just a competition, the 11th festival showcases community spirit, skill, and cultural pride, making it a must-see event for anyone visiting the Mekong Delta.
