A buffalo sacrifice ceremony, a part of the traditional cultural festival of ethnic minorities in Dak Lak Province's Buon Don District, attracted thousands of local people and visitors.

Preparations

The festival was officially launched in Krong Na Commune on the evening of March 24.

Buffaloes are regarded as one of the most valuable properties for a central highland family.

They believe that they will be protected from bad luck and enjoy good harvests.

The most prestigious village patriarch is chosen to conduct the ceremony. While he carries out the traditional rituals, villagers play gongs and dance around him and the bull.

Traditional rituals carried out before stabbing the bull

The bull yields to the village patriarch’s spear

Dancing illustrates the myth of Dam San fighting to protect his village

A buffalo sacrifice is a cultural tradition of minorities in the Central Highlands