Ox Cart Races Return to Kampong Speu

The annual ox cart races took place for the first time since Covid-19 in Kampong Speu on Sunday, with 38 pairs of cattle taking part
The annual ox cart races took place for the first time since Covid-19 in Kampong Speu. Kiripost/Siv Channa
The annual ox cart races took place for the first time since Covid-19 in Kampong Speu. Kiripost/Siv Channa

By Siv Channa

KAMPONG SPEU - Under the mounting heat of April, the ox cart racing restarted on Sunday in Kampong Speu province for the first time after Covid-19, which has halted the annual race for the last two years.

Ox cart races in Kampong Speu province. Kiripost/Siv Channa
Ox cart races in Kampong Speu province. Kiripost/Siv Channa

Onlookers held umbrellas as cows pulled wooden carts across an empty plot of land in Roka Thom commune, Chbar Mon city. This is the ninth year that the race has taken place, traditionally held ahead of Khmer New Year. Officials said that 38 pairs of cows participated and the best scores were given to those that elegantly pulled their carts.

Ox cart races in Kampong Speu province. Kiripost/Siv Channa
Ox cart races in Kampong Speu province. Kiripost/Siv Channa

Ox cart races in Kampong Speu province. Kiripost/Siv Channa
Ox cart races in Kampong Speu province. Kiripost/Siv Channa

Ox cart races in Kampong Speu province. Kiripost/Siv Channa
Ox cart races in Kampong Speu province. Kiripost/Siv Channa

Ox cart races in Kampong Speu province. Kiripost/Siv Channa
Ox cart races in Kampong Speu province. Kiripost/Siv Channa

Ox cart races in Kampong Speu province. Kiripost/Siv Channa
Ox cart races in Kampong Speu province. Kiripost/Siv Channa

Ox cart races in Kampong Speu province. Kiripost/Siv Channa
Ox cart races in Kampong Speu province. Kiripost/Siv Channa

siv.channa@kiripost.com