The Art of Raising Fighting Buffaloes in Hai Luu

To prepare a "Mr. Cau" (a respectful name for fighting buffaloes) for the annual festival, buffalo raisers in Hai Luu Commune travel far and wide across the country, and even abroad. They invest hundreds of millions of VND to bring home the strongest and most majestic buffaloes to train for the arena.

Unlike buffalo fighting festivals elsewhere, the unique cultural trait of Hai Luu is that these "Mr. Cau" are raised and trained by collectives—groups of people with long-standing community bonds.

Mr. Ha Van Khanh (wearing black) shares his experience: a good fighting buffalo must have a sturdy build, stiff hair, shiny black skin, round hooves, long legs with short shanks, and a broad, well-shaped set of horns.

As an experienced veteran in the field, Mr. Ha Van Khanh from Dan Chu Village has scoured the northern mountainous provinces, the North Central coast, the Central Highlands, and the South—even venturing into China, Laos, and Myanmar—to find the perfect buffalo. According to Mr. Khanh, a true fighter must possess specific traits: tall and large frame, wide neck, jet-black hair, sturdy legs, closed hooves, long thick horns, and a “stubborn” look in the eyes.

The "Mr. Cau" are always meticulously cared for.

Elephant grass is their favorite food. During winter when grass is scarce, owners supplement their diet with corn stalks, straw, bran, and other nutrient-rich feed.

Having owned buffaloes that won prizes in previous years, Mr. Khanh shares: "Raising a fighting buffalo requires patience, meticulousness, and a high sense of responsibility." The buffaloes follow a specialized diet including elephant grass, corn stalks, bran, and fermented salt. They receive regular vaccinations, health monitoring, fattening regimes, and daily physical training to prepare for the showdown.

Bathing the buffalo is one of the most important daily tasks.

Beyond the strict diet, the "Mr. Cau" are regularly bathed, walked, and exercised to increase their stamina and flexibility.

Raising a fighting buffalo is not just about providing enough food; it is about understanding the animal’s temperament.

In winter, they receive special care, including warmed barns protected from the wind, “clothes” (warm covers), and high-nutrition supplements to ensure peak health.

Owners lead their buffaloes to perform a ritual for the Village Tutelary God before the opening day.

Mr. Do Huy Chien — Chairman of the Hai Luu Commune People’s Committee, stated: "The preparations for the 2026 Traditional Buffalo Fighting Festival have been thorough, focusing on preserving traditional cultural values while ensuring security and safety for locals and tourists."

“Hai Luu Commune views the festival not only as a spiritual cultural activity but also as an opportunity to promote the local image and drive sustainable tourism and socio-economic development,” the Chairman added.

Ngoc Tuan - Phuong Thanh