Various traders put up their stalls to sell hats or water while the stadium was fully packed inside. Police, firefighters and ambulances were sent to the scene in case of emergency and to regulate the traffic.
The winner this year will be awarded VND100m (USD4,400). The first and second runners-up will be given VND60m and VND40m respectively.
On July 1, a local man was gored to death by his fighting buffalo during the qualifying round. The local authorities were requested to suspend this year’s festival. However in September, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism gave permission to continue the festival but demanded better security.
The ministry also asked Hai Phong City authorities to prevent illegal betting on the buffalo fights and fake fighting buffalo meat sold after the festival.
Some photos from the festival:
