Go Thi Thung Traditional Horse Racing Festival Buzzes with Excitement on Early Spring Days
Every year on the 9th day of the first lunar month, Go Thi Thung, located in An Xuan Commune, Tuy An District, Phu Yen Province, comes alive with the atmosphere of the traditional horse racing festival. This unique cultural rendezvous attracts a large number of local residents and tourists from all over to witness the distinctive competitions. For a long time, this event has become an indispensable part of the spiritual life of the people of Xu Nau every time Tet (Lunar New Year) and spring arrive.
The unique feature of the festival is that the participating "warhorses" are actually working horses, used for carrying goods and pulling carts in daily labor. These horses, which toil year-round on village roads, are now brought to the red dirt racetrack, showcasing their galloping power amidst enthusiastic cheers. The simple, genuine image of both horses and riders creates a distinctive charm for this competition.
Lively Atmosphere Under Mild Spring Weather
The weather in Phu Yen during the beginning of the year is usually very mild, with warm golden sunshine and fresh sea breezes, creating ideal conditions for outdoor festival activities. Thousands of spectators line both sides of the racetrack for hours under the clear blue sky, watching each thrilling lap. The red dust kicked up by the horses' hooves further enhances the vibrant and lively scene of this Central Vietnamese region.
Unlike professional racetracks, most riders at Go Thi Thung are local farmers who control their horses with simple reins and no elaborate saddles. Races are held in an elimination format over a distance of about 1–2km, providing thrilling chases right to the finish line. The efforts of these amateur riders always receive enthusiastic applause from the community.
The Go Thi Thung Horse Racing Festival is not just a sports competition but also closely associated with aspirations for a new year of favorable harvests and prosperity. Over time, the event has become a beautiful symbol of the diligent spirit and vibrant life of the land of "yellow flowers on green grass". This is a precious traditional cultural feature that needs to be preserved and promoted within the community.
