Official Dispatch No. 12/BVHTTDL-VHCSGDTV dated January 5, 2026 of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, clearly states that the Do Son buffalo fighting festival is organized according to the contents identified in the Scientific Dossier of National Intangible Cultural Heritage that has been recognized as a necessary requirement, of important significance in preserving and promoting traditional cultural values.
Ensuring that the festival is organized in accordance with the nature, meaning and historical origin of the festival, contributing to preserving the identity and value of heritage. The Ministry agreed with the proposal of Hai Phong City People's Committee on organizing the festival, in which the rounds (including qualifying rounds) are carried out according to the content.
Local authorities proactively decide on the organization plan, adjust the scale of rounds according to their authority, on the basis of ensuring suitability with the actual situation and community aspirations, improving the efficiency of state management.
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism requests the People's Committee of Hai Phong City, the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the People's Committee of Do Son Ward and related units to strictly implement the provisions of law on cultural heritage protection and management and organization of festivals; fully implement measures to ensure security, order, and absolute safety for festival participants.
At the same time, strengthen inspection and supervision; promptly prevent and avoid negative phenomena such as betting and profiteering; do not organize ticket sales or collect money to attend festivals.
Do Son buffalo fighting festival is a traditional folk festival, dating back very long, preserving the spiritual activities and cultural identity of the community of the coastal people of Do Son.
One of the basic characteristics of the Do Son Buffalo Fighting Festival is the intersection of agricultural cultural elements of the plains with cultural elements of coastal residents, associated with the custom of worshiping the water god and rituals of fighting and sacrificing buffaloes, animals familiar to farmers.
The festival originated from the belief in worshiping the Great Kings Point, the god of Do Son mountains and waters, formed and developed over many centuries, passed down from generation to generation and became an indispensable need in the spiritual and spiritual life of the people of Do Son.
