Go (mound) Thi Thung traditional horse race is a unique festival, which is held annually in An Xuan commune, Tuy An district, Phu Yen province, on the ninth day of the first lunar month and attracts thousands of people from across the country.

(photo: PNO)

According to elderly residents of Thanh Xuan village, the horse race was around before the war against the French. However, during the wars against the French and American invaders, the race was stopped. After the liberation of the country in 1975, the race was restored in An Xuan commune on the ninth day of the first lunar month. Nearly 10 years later, the Go Thi Thung traditional horse race was officially recognised as a traditional festival of Phu Yen province.

Horseman Vo Ngoc, who has won the championship title many times in Thanh Xuan village, said that the horse is as important to the people of An Xuan commune as the elephant is to Tay Nguyen (Central Highlands).

Horses in An Xuan commune play an important role in the daily life of the people with the animal considered as a member of each local family. An Xuan commune has currently 25 horses. The commune has been provided with two buck-horses to develop their herd.

Ngoc first participated in 1982 and won first prize this year but will not enter the next competition as now 60 years of age, he has decided to share his knowledge with the young horsemen.

The traditional approach of riding without a saddle makes the race more interesting with spectacular performances. Essentially, the man who has the fastest horse is the winner.

This race is designed for “barefoot cavaliers”, riders who have been friends with their horses since they were born.

According to Le Cao Bang, head of the Cultural and Information Office of the Tuy An district People's Committee, visitors to the festival will have a chance to join the exciting atmosphere with a series of cultural activities such as folk games, sports activities and art performances. The district is working out a plan to maintain and develop the race with hopes for the participation of other localities in the region.

Source: VNA