(VOV) - 27 oxen entered the competition and the 14 finalists fought it out over 7 matches to decide championship. The ox fighting festival has become a major attraction at the Khau Vai love market. It ended on 16^th April in Meo Vac district of northern mountainous Ha Giang province. The love market was originally a meeting place for men and women from various ethnic groups including the Mong, Dao, Tay , Nung,  Giay, and Lo Lo, who were in love with each other, but could not marry. During the week-long festival, there was also a Lo Lo ritual to pray for rain, a nightingale contest, and the legendary Khau Vai arts program.

 

On 14th April, oxen were led to large and low lying bit of land surrounded by an embankment in Meo Vac township

 

An ox‘s horns are shorter than those of a buffalo, so when the horns clash, the impact is so strong that the fighters panic and ran away after the first hit.

 

Ox No8 hits its rival in the ribs

 

The two oxen between butts each other full on

 

The fight between No 25 and No26 was the most thrilling. Ox No25 wins 4th prize

 

Ox No23 makes a strong hit on No24

 

Ox No24 runs away after being beaten by No23

 

Dangerous side hits make rivals panic

 

 

Fighter No15 knocks out his rival in a furious contest

 

Fighter No20 easily wins the championship

 

Ox No25 gets excited after a win