Thirty-two buffalos from across the country are taking part in the 2013 buffalo fighting festival, which opened on March 27 in Phu Ninh district, in northern midland province of Phu Tho.
Sixteen pairs of buffalos battled it out to determine which ones qualified for the quarter-final, semi-final and final matches on March 28.
This traditional event is held annually in mid-February of the lunar calendar as part of the activities to celebrate the Hung Kings Temple Festival (in the third lunar month).
The festival has great spiritual significance and aims to honour the ancient Vietnamese Hung Kings, promote Pho Thu province's traditions and culture, and attract more visitors to the locality.