Water buffaloes and their owners parade along the streets of Chonburi, Thailand, during a traditional annual contest.

The animals are wearing beautiful colorful costumes chosen by their owners for this specific event.

The contest entails the selection of the most beautiful buffalo by a jury. The winner's owner usually receives farm equipment as a prize.

Water buffaloes are considered by many as family pets in Thailand. In the past, these animals were used in farming.

Water buffaloes were the main implement of Thailand's farmers for centuries. Since mechanisation has largely replaced them, they are seldom seen ploughing fields but instead are often kept as family pets. There's an annual contest in Chonburi to choose 'Miss Buffalo Beauty Queen' to the best-dressed animal.