The annual Chonburi Buffalo Racing Festival, the 150th Annual Edition, was held today (October 20th). However, the events have been toned down to primarily only a buffalo parade. The popular major festival part with racing, vendors and a festival atmosphere also was not taking place for the public due to Covid19 and concern on crowds, according to Mueang Chonburi officials.

 

Chonburi’s annual Buffalo Racing Festival (ประเพณีวิ่งควาย) is held at the end of Buddhist Lent every year with a tradition that dates back 150 years. The festival is unique and according to organizers the only one of its kind in the world.

 

The festival celebrates the high status buffalos enjoy as the uniquely Thai icon of Thailand’s agriculture and rural way of life, especially in terms of traditional ways. Even to this day, many rural Thai farmers who lack funds to invest in more modern alternatives use buffalos for farm work, including in Chonburi.

 

Full Story: https://thepattayanews.com/2021/10/20/150th-annual-chonburi-buffalo-festival-held-but-in-a-majorly-toned-down-manner-due-to-covid-19-concerns-photos/

 

-- © Copyright The Pattaya News 2021-10-20

 

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I can watch them racing every day outside on the roads... free entry .

Another thing that I would have gone to.  Where are we supposed to find out about this sort of event before it happens?

I heard it was toned down because there was a lack buffalos this year due to COVID-19 entry restrictions.

16 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

the only one of its kind in the world.

For reference (Wikipedia):-

Kambala is an annual buffalo race held in the southwestern Indian state of Karnataka

 

Went last year. It was entertaining, but hotter than ****.

I only watched 3 of the "races" after spending the morning wandering around taking pics and watching the parade and other festivities. They were taking 25-30 minutes to run each race (which lasts about 20 seconds) and I didn't want to spend all afternoon waiting to watch a couple more races.

I wanted to go this year but couldn't find out when it was being held. Last year it was on 1 Oct. This year I found a travel website that said it was on the 19th (or 20th). I even tried searching in Thai and on the Chon Buri gov't websites with no luck.

Seems it's the day before the full moon in October (the end of Buddhist Lent).

There's a lot of similar festivals around the country that no one seems to know about - until after they are over of course.