Around 140 carabaos took part in the Carabao Race in Bongabon, Nueva Ecija as part of the town’s Onion Festival 2024.

Farmers showcased their animals' resilience to both the heat and the race, with clouds of dust trailing behind the competitors.

Half of the participants came from as far as Pangasinan, Pampanga, and Bulacan.

“Naging tradisyunal na po yung karera ng kalabaw dito sa bayan ng Bongabon… itong pakarera po na ito [ay] para sa mga farmer,” Ericson Mendoza, the event organizer, said.

In the Class A category, ‘Super Ninong’ emerged as the champion, while in Class B, the victory went to Batang NLEX. Both champions received P100,000 in prize money and trophies.

The carabaos were grouped based on size.

The festivities continued with a float parade with over 30 decorated floats, from 28 barangays, adorned with onions, accompanied by street dancers and bands.

The floats also showcased other local products such as corn, rice, vegetables, and indigenous materials.

Bongabon is the ‘Onion Capital’ of the country.