This event has evolved into a unique cultural activity for ethnic groups in the Na Son highland area, featuring fierce matches that attract crowds of residents and tourists to follow and cheer.

On the morning of February 18, which marks the second day of the 2026 Lunar New Year, a vast number of people from Na Son commune and surrounding areas gathered at the central stadium to attend the competition. This year, the festival gathered over 40 bull gladiators who were randomly paired in a knockout format to determine the winners based on time. From the very first matches, the competition was intense and dramatic, drawing loud cheers from the audience.

Nguyễn Văn Thành, a visitor from Điện Biên Phủ ward, noted that this was his first time watching bullfighting live and expressed how impressed he was with the elaborate preparation by the owners as well as the determined spirit of the animals. The vibrant atmosphere created a memorable experience for him.

The bulls participating in the competition are carefully selected and cared for under a specialized regime to ensure physical strength and endurance. Regular training is maintained alongside a balanced diet to ensure the gladiators possess large, healthy bodies and strong, curved horns ready for the fierce competition.

Mùa A Lâu from Xa Dung commune explained that selecting and raising fighting bulls is a laborious process requiring great patience, as the animals must have muscular physiques and thick legs. He emphasized that the nutritional regime must be perfect so the bulls are neither too fat nor too thin, which would otherwise affect their fighting ability.

The bullfighting festival in Na Son originated many years ago as small-scale, spontaneous activities to serve the local people’s spring needs. Over time, it has been organized more professionally as a key cultural and sporting event to celebrate the new year. In recent years, the festival has grown in both scale and quality, attracting a significant number of people from across the region.

According to estimates by the organizing committee, the spring festival in Na Son commune welcomed approximately 70,000 visitors this year.

Quàng Văn Phong, Chairman of the Na Son commune People’s Committee, highlighted that bullfighting is a long-standing cultural tradition that the locality maintains annually. By enhancing the scale and organization of the competition, the commune aims to honor households that excel in cattle farming while encouraging residents to emulate productive labor and reduce poverty sustainably.

The spring bullfighting competition in Na Son has enriched the spiritual life of the ethnic groups, strengthened community solidarity, and promoted local economic and tourism development.