Preserving Tradition: Oxcart Racing in Cambodia’s Kampong Speu Province

In a display of tradition and culture, villagers in Cambodia’s Kampong Speu province gathered on April 7, 2024, to witness the annual oxcart racing event. Despite the scorching sun, hundreds of spectators cheered on as 46 pairs of oxen raced around a one-kilometre dirt track.

Organizer Khat Sokhay described the event as Cambodia’s version of Formula 1, emphasizing the importance of preserving the centuries-old tradition of oxcart racing. The race, held to mark the end of the rice harvesting season and welcome the Khmer New Year, showcased the vibrant masks and headgear adorning the oxen as they sprinted towards the finish line.

Cart driver Tang Sreang, 43, highlighted the significance of the event in maintaining the legacy of their ancestors, stating, “During the modern era, they race cars, but we race oxcarts so that the legacy of our ancestors won’t disappear.”

Culture officials echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of preserving the heritage for future generations. Sun Meanchey, director of Kampong Speu’s culture department, expressed concerns over the encroachment of development on the racing grounds, fearing that the traditional rice fields could be replaced by factories in the future.

The oxcart race serves as a reminder of Cambodia’s agricultural roots, with many villagers still relying on oxen for ploughing their rice fields. As modern methods of agriculture and transportation become more prevalent, there is a growing fear that the traditional ways of life could be lost.

The annual oxcart racing event not only entertains spectators but also serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage in the face of rapid development. As villagers continue to uphold this tradition, they hope to ensure that the legacy of oxcart racing lives on for generations to come.