Thousands of villagers and interested visitors have enjoyed Phu Mau commune’s Sinh Wrestling Festival in Phu Vang district, Thua Thien-Hue province on February 19.
The festival opened with a ritual offering of incense to the tutelary god conducted by village notables at their communal house. The release of a flock of sky lanterns signaled the tournament had begun.
Accompanied by beating drums, wrestlers first exhibited the beauty of their skills before competing in bouts featuring both locals and travellers.
The 400-year-old event, originally held during the first days of the Lunar New Year (Tet) for kings to select the nation’s strongest wrestlers, has now become a traditional sport.