In pictures: Impressive colors of Khmer boat racing The first Ngo Boat Race Festival, which featured the culture of the Khmer People in the Mekong Delta region, took place on November 15-17 in Soc Trang province. The festival brought together 49 men’s and 13 women’s rowing teams from provinces in the Mekong Delta region, along with thousands of visitors from Vietnam and abroad. The organising board presented first prize to Tra Vinh province’s Cang Long team in the men’s event, and Bac Lieu province’s Ngan Dua team in the women’s event. Other outstanding teams also received prizes. The festival gives top billing to ngo boats, an important feature of the traditional culture of the Khmer People that contributes to preserving the customary cultural values of provinces in the Mekong Delta region. A series of cultural activities at the festival also attracted many visitors. Among the events were a trade fair, a photo exhibition entitled ‘Soc Trang’s Memories’, exhibitions on Soc Trang’s economic achievements and culture, a Khmer food festival, folk games, workshops, concerts and dance performances. Some pictures of the Ngo boat racing in Soc Trang: At 12pm on November 17, 49 men’s teams appeared to say hello to the audience. They wore colorful uniforms. Ngo boats were painted with unique patterns and impressive colors and the prows were decorated with two eyes or animal statues, which symbolize the beauty and strength in the water. The Khmer always consider Ngo boats sacred treasures of their hamlets. The Ngo boats are only used in important holidays such as the Ooc Om Boc. The race started. Ngo race requires very high consensus among the rowers. Each boat has a leader who gives orders and keep the rhythm of rowers. The speed can reach up to 50km per hour. The fans. Buddhist monks. Foreign visitors. Speeding up to the finish. The joy of the winning team. Source: Tri Thuc