Over 6,000 rowers join Khmer boat races in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta
The races, which are recognized as national intangible cultural heritage by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, wrapped up the Mekong Delta’s week-long Oc Om Boc Festival, or the moon worshipping festival celebrated by the Khmer ethnic people in Soc Trang. The 6,000 rowers from 45 male teams and 10 female teams competed in men’s 1,200 meter and women’s 1,000 meter categories, using Ngo boats — a special boat made of wood — representing one or more Khmer villages. The boats are decorated with images of dragons, tigers, elephants, lions, and peacocks to show their power. Thousands of spectators cheered for the participants during the two days of competition. Male rowers compete in a Ngo boat race in Soc Trang Province, November 8, 2022. Photo: T. Luy / Tuoi Tre Two teams from Soc Trang won the highest prizes in both categories as the races concluded on Tuesday. Ok-Om-Bok is one of the three major festivals that Khmer people celebrate every year, along with the ...