It’s buffalo racing time again in Chonburi as the 141st edition of the crowd-pleasing contest stampedes into town, with festivities running from Oct. 26-Nov. 1. The actual races are scheduled for Oct 29 beginning at 8 a.m.
Chonburi Deputy Gov. Pongsak Preechawit said the buffalo race festival will give a much-needed boost to the local economy by attracting Thai and foreign tourists to the event.
The 141st running of the Chonburi Buffalo Races will be part of the annual festival Oct. 26-Nov. 1.
The races divide the buffalos into three categories, small, medium and large. Additional fun activities will include a Miss Country contest and a buffalo decoration contest where the animals are judged on beauty and their costumes on creativity.
Other traditional games such as sand castles, sugarcane eating, sling shots, puzzle games, joke poems, an oiled post climbing contest (not for the buffalos) and a boxing contest where the boxers are blind-folded will add to the gaiety.
Thai country music and performances from acts such as Kalyani will entertain while people can enter drawings for gold prizes and enjoy traditional Thai massage.
This year’s festival also features a local-products market, folk song contests, artists, singers, Thai country and pop music, a buffalo village, farmer’s life village and a local sports competition. There will also be a beauty contest and a folk music show performed by well-known artists.
For more information, contact the Chonburi Development Institute at 038-284-349, ext. 104. (CPRD)
