The Do Son buffalo fighting festival in the northern port city of Haiphong was officially recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage on September 12 during the celebration of the National Tourism Year of Red River Delta-Haiphong 2013.
Le Khac Nam, Vice Chairman of the Haiphong city People's Committee said that the festival dating back to 1,000 years was restored in 1990.
The festival has been held regular for 24 years. It was recognized in 2000 as one of 15 largest festivals in the country by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Nam noted.
On this occasion, the Association of Vietnamese Folklorists (AVF) awarded the title of "Folk Artist" to those who have made great contributions to restoring and developing the Do Son buffalo fighting festival.