Exploring thrill and excitement of ox-cart race

An ox-cart race took place for the first time in Ninh Hung Commune, Ninh Hoa Town on August 19, attracting hundreds of onlookers enthusiastically watching and cheering on their favorite team, bringing great fun, thrill and excitement to the rural area.

Lam Quang Hung, Phung Cang Village was very excited for his ox to join the race which gave him fun experience. 1 week before the race, he and his family trained and took good care of his ox to prepare for the race. They started to decorate their ox-cart with bamboo, coconut leaves and flowers the morning before the race.

An ox-cart full of straw rolls heading to the finishing line.

Nguyen Van Loc, Phu My Village, Ninh Hung Commune, Ninh Hoa Town had asked the help from his 3 relatives with the ox-cart decoration. On the morning of the race, he got up early, fed his ox and then pulled the cart to the race track.

The race started at 8am with the first pairs of oxen. Carts were pulled as fast as they could through the town by pairs of oxen. There were 6 teams from 6 villages competing in the rounds of cart decoration and transportation of straw rolls within the shortest time.

Contestants race ox-carts.

The race was a thrilling chase of oxen through rural roads under the enthusiastic cheers of spectators on both sides of the roads, creating a joyful atmosphere in the countryside.

A resident named Tran Le Thi Loan in Tan Hung Village said, “The race is well organized.” According to Pham Dam, Phu My Village, the race has created a joyful and exciting atmosphere in the commune. He hopes that the race will be held annually to add to typical cultural values of Ninh Hung land.  

Crowds of onlookers.

The first prize went to Tan Hung Village. “The race brings joy and relaxing moments to farmers, features typical cultural characteristics as well as promotes creativity and solidarity in the peaceful countryside, contributing to promoting national security,” said Vo Quang Binh, Vice-Chairperson of Ninh Hung Commune People’s Committee, Head of the Organizing Board.

Counting straw rolls at the finishing line.

M.P

Translated by N.T