The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has requested the northern province of Vinh Phuc to tighten control over the organising of the Hai Luu buffalo fighting festival in the local district of Song Lo.

Under the ministry’s instruction, the organising board has to conform to the festival regulations. The festival is not allowed to be held by any enterprise or individual, except for the organising board.

Visitors watch a competition at Hai Luu buffalo figting festival

The organising board has also asked that buffalo owners not to kill the animals after the festival. Ticket sales or collecting fees for participating in the festival is also banned.

In the case of any violations, the festival will be halted by the organising board.

Hai Luu buffalo fighting festival often takes place on 16-17th of the first month of the lunar year which falls on March 3 and 4 this year.

The ogranising of buffalo fighting festivals in Vietnam has been more tightly managed following an incident at Do Son buffalo fighting festival last year when one man was killed after being attacked by his buffalo.

Several traditional festivals in Vietnam have previously faced concerns from the public over violence, including pig slaughter festival in Bac Ninh Province or buffalo hanging festival in Yen Bai Province.

After many festivals, animals are often killed for meat which is sold at high prices.

Following the public's outcry, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has called to end violence at traditional festivals nation-wide.