Chonburi —
Chonburi province held the 153rd Buffalo Racing Festival on October 16th with a colorful parade, decorated buffaloes, and traditional buffalo racing.
The event was attended by Ms. Thitilak Khampa, Deputy Governor of Chonburi, Mr. Witthaya Khunpluem, President of the Chonburi Provincial Administrative Organization, as well as government officials and local communities. The parade traveled over 10 kilometers around Chonburi Municipality Market, attracting many spectators lining both sides of the streets.
The procession included beautifully decorated buffaloes, as well as some dressed in humorous costumes to entertain the public. These buffaloes are also competing in beauty and humor competitions, with the winners to be announced and awarded on the main stage.
The Chonburi Buffalo Racing Festival is an annual event held on the 14th day of the waxing moon in the 11th month of the Thai lunar calendar. This unique tradition has been passed down for generations and takes place one day before the end of Buddhist Lent. It is held to honor buffaloes, which are seen as crucial animals for Thai farmers and the country. Locals believe that if the race is not held, it could lead to disasters such as large fires or disease outbreaks causing many buffaloes to die.
Even during COVID-19 the events were held but on a more private basis and mostly to protect the traditional and religious aspects.
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This article originally appeared on our sister website The Pattaya News.