Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Do Son Ward People's Committee Vice Chairman Pham Hoang Tuan said they had carefully chosen the best buffaloes and were working on ensuring public order at the festival.
"The festival has become a unique tourism product for Do Son, and we hope that it will further develop into an international cultural event," the official said.
According to the organiser, the annual festival will be held from September 3 to 11 and include various cultural and entertainment events. The buffalo fighting competition will take place on September 11 at a local stadium.
"Sixteen buffaloes coming from six wards in the city will join in this year's competition," the organiser said. "Owners of the winning buffalo will be awarded VND100 million, with the second place prize worth VND60 million and two third prizes worth VND30 million each."
The winning buffalo meets its fate in the ceremony, a sacrifice to please and worship the Water Goddess.
The Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival, held annually since the 18th century, is not only associated with Water Goddess worship and sacrificing customs.
In 2000, the festival was recognised as one of the 15 official national festivals and a national intangible cultural heritage in 2012.