Overview of the Festival
- Chinese Name: 牟定县安乐乡正月十五赶猫街
- English Name: Ganmaojie Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Mouding County, Chuxiong
- Location:牟定县安乐乡猫街村委会/Mao Street Village Committee, Anle Township, Mouding County.
On the Lantern Festival of the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, I am waiting for you at Cat Street.” February 5th is the traditional Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, as well as the ethnic traditional festival “Cat Street Market Day” in Anle Township, Mouding County. People and tourists from all directions come together in Cat Street Town to celebrate this traditional festival. In Anle Township’s Cat Street Town, crowds of people flock to the market, where merchants seize the opportunity to set up stalls and engage in trade and exchanges of goods. A variety of daily necessities, agricultural tools, bamboo and wooden products, bedding, specialty foods, clothing, shoes, hats, exquisite accessories, and more are available in abundance. Shoppers can freely choose their favorite items, creating a lively and bustling atmosphere.
key activities associated with the Ganmaojie Festival:
- Market Gathering: The festival is centered around the bustling Cat Street Market, where locals and visitors gather to buy and sell various goods. Stalls feature a wide array of products, including agricultural tools, handicrafts, clothing, seasonal foods, and traditional snacks.
- Cultural Performances: There are often performances of traditional Yi music, dance, and drama. These cultural displays are an important part of the festival, allowing community members to express their cultural identity and preserve their heritage.
- Food and Culinary Celebrations: Traditional Yi foods play a significant role in the celebrations. People prepare and share communal meals, featuring local delicacies. Some typical foods include roasted meats, rice dishes, and specialty snacks unique to the Yi culture.
- Games and Competitions: Various traditional games and competitions may take place, fostering community spirit and friendly rivalry. Activities could include tug-of-war, horse racing, and other folk games that are enjoyed by all ages.
- Socializing and Family Gatherings: The festival serves as an important occasion for families and friends to come together, strengthen bonds, and celebrate their cultural heritage. It is a time for socializing and reconnecting with one another.
- Rituals and Ceremonies: Some communities may also conduct traditional rituals to pray for good harvests and prosperity, further enriching the spiritual aspect of the festival.
Overview
In the Wujie Town（五街镇） of Nanhua County（南华县）, Chuxiong city, a village of Yi ethnic minority with green mountains and clear water, shrouded by clouds and mist, still completely retains a primitive and wild traditional dance of Yi people — sheepskin drum dance（彝族羊皮舞/羊皮鼓舞）. Put on sheepskin, solemn and magnificent; When the string sounded, the feet itched. The tune is sung, you will feel good. This is the most vivid depiction of the Wujie sheepskin dance.
Sheepskin Drum Dance of Yi Ethnic MinorityHistory
According to historical records, sheepskin is probably the earliest costume of Yi people. The Geographica in the Tang dynasty described the Yi people in the southwest at that time as “men and women wearing sheepskins”. Of course, the history of Yi people’s sheepskin coats should be date back to much earlier than Tang dynasty. It is not only the oldest and most practical, but also has a profound impact on the Yi people’s clothing.
When the sheepskin jacket meets the ancient song and dance of Yi minority, it will give rise to the original and wild song and dance with strong local characteristics — the sheepskin dance. It not only reflects the wisdom of the Yi ancestors in Wujie, but also reflects the love and pursuit of the happy life of them.
Dance Steps
According to the introduction, the Wujie Yi people belong to the Luo Luopo branch(罗罗颇支系), which is good at singing and dancing, their song and dance called “Tiao Ge“（跳歌） , also known as “Da Tiao“（打跳）, Yi language called “Ge Xie“（葛歇）. It is said that there are 72 kinds of dance steps, such as “four steps“(四步翻), “three steps and six“(三面六), “two steps songs“(两翻歌), “three steps feet“(三跺脚), “Sheling melody“（舍岭调）, etc. The dances are colorful and varied. The sheepskin dance is the unique traditional folk dance of the fifth street.
Whenever the village held a ceremonious sacrificial activity, they will perform the sheepskin drum dance. Dozens of men gathered around the empty space, their bare upper bodies covered with patterns, with brown leaves tied around their waists and leaves on their heads. With the accompaniment by the sheepskin drum, their bent and swing arms when dancing, jumping and enjoying, from time to time there was a ” Ohhuo Ohhou”shouts, the dance is original and ancient, with a mysterious color.
Sheepskin Drum Dance of Yi in Nanhua County, ChuxiongSignificance
Yi culture is an important part of Chinese culture with its distinctive ethnic characteristics. The “sheepskin dance” on the Wujie is undoubtedly a wonderful work of Yi culture. The sheepskin dance, regardless of age or gender, is an organized folk entertainment group, often consisting of a fixed number of people. Joy burst forth from the dance. The sheepskin dance is mainly popular in marriage, moving into new homes, celebrating festivals, happy funerals and other occasions, especially in the “Torch Festival” and “Spring Festival“.
https://baijiahao.baidu.com/s?id=1592080665921206813&wfr=spider&for=pc
Chinese Version: http://www.sohu.com/a/210475845_391620
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Overview
Chinese Name: 南华县彝族火把节
English Name: Torch Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Nanhua County, Chuxiong
Location: Nanhua County, Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture
The Torch Festival is a vibrant and culturally significant celebration for the Yi ethnic minority, this festival is a key event in the Yi calendar and showcases the community’s rich traditions, agricultural practices, and cultural identity.It serves as a time for families and communities to come together in gratitude for the harvest, to celebrate their traditions, and to strengthen social bonds. For visitors, the festival offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich customs, vibrant performances, and communal spirit of the Yi people, making it a captivating experience steeped in history and cultural significance.
Origin of the Torch Festival
The Torch Festival has ancient roots, believed to have originated as a celebration of the harvest and an expression of gratitude to nature for its bounties. It traditionally falls on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, coinciding with the summer solstice, which marks a crucial time for agricultural activities. The festival also serves as a means to dispel darkness and evil spirits, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness.
According to local lore, the festival may be connected to various myths and legends, such as tales of heroic ancestors who overcame adversities or demons threatening the community. This rich tapestry of folklore contributes to the festival’s significance, linking it closely with the cultural identity of the Yi people.
Local Customs and Activities
- Torch Lighting Ceremony: The festival begins with the lighting of large torches, often made from wood and straw. This ceremonial lighting process is accompanied by prayers for good fortune, health, and protection from misfortune. Communities gather to witness the moment, which is marked by joy and celebration.
- Processions and Parades: After the torches are lit, elaborate parades take place throughout the village and surrounding areas. Participants, dressed in colorful traditional attire, carry the torches while singing and dancing. This visual spectacle not only entertains but also reinforces community bonds.
- Cultural Performances: Traditional music and dance are at the heart of the festivities. Yi dances, such as the “Axi Dance,” are performed, showcasing intricate movements that reflect the community’s historical and mythical narratives. Musicians often play traditional instruments like the “suhur,” a type of stringed instrument.
- Sports and Competitions: The festival is also known for various traditional sports and games, including wrestling, horse racing, and other skill-based contests. These activities encourage participation from all ages and foster a spirit of friendly competition and camaraderie.
- Culinary Traditions: Food is a central aspect of the Torch Festival. Families prepare traditional dishes, often featuring locally sourced ingredients. Common foods might include grilled meats, rice dishes, and other specialties. The communal sharing of meals enhances social ties and celebrates the abundance of harvest.
- Rituals and Offerings: In many communities, families conduct rituals to honor their ancestors and local deities. Offerings may include food, wine, and incense, reflecting a deep respect for spiritual beliefs and the importance of maintaining connections with the past.
- Display of Artistic Skills: The festival often serves as an opportunity for the Yi people to display their artistic skills, including textile weaving and crafting decorative items. This aspect of the festival not only promotes traditional arts but also underscores the region’s cultural identity.
Chinese Name: 南华县五街镇松茸采摘开山节
English Name: Matsutake Picking and Kaishan Festival in Nanhua County, Chuxiong
Location:南华县五街镇/Wujie Town, Nanhua County
Overview
Celebration in the Mountains
In the mountain forests, amidst the myriad of mushrooms, accompanied by the wafting aroma of fungi and the persistent chirping of cicadas, a grand and unique celebration unfolds — the Wujie Town Matsutake Mushroom Opening Ceremony with a thousand people dancing in celebration of the harvest! Wujie is a tranquil place hidden among mountains and waters, where peaks rise and streams flow gently. Every matsutake mushroom growing here is laden with the blessings of nature, drawing on the essence of the mountains and rivers, and embodying the spirit of Wujie’s landscapes.
The Opening Ceremony
Once again, it’s time for the opening ceremony. With awe and joy, we pray for peace in the mountains, a bountiful matsutake harvest, and a prosperous life. At the ceremony site, colorful flags flutter as thousands gather to celebrate. The cheerful music of “Ge Xie Lie” rings out, signaling the official start of the thousand-person dance. Men, women, and children, dressed in vibrant ethnic costumes, beam with radiant smiles, holding hands to form tightly interconnected circles. Their steps are light and their postures strong. Joyful dance steps resonate on the earth, and enthusiastic singing soars into the sky, harmonizing with the streams and fresh breeze, telling the stories of the mountains, ancient legends, and the passage of history.
The Dance Experience
On a midsummer afternoon, the heat takes on a romantic quality. The dancing crowd flows like a rushing river, full of vitality and vigor; some dance smoothly, their movements graceful, while others might appear slightly awkward but are brimming with enthusiasm. Everyone moves to the rhythm of the music, sometimes spinning quickly and sometimes stepping slowly. Each motion is imbued with deep ethnic emotion, as if collectively performing a grand dance epic. In everyone’s eyes, there is a sparkle; the sounds of singing and laughter intertwine. People express the grandeur and beauty of life with their most sincere feelings and boldest postures, conveying their appreciation for the harvest and gratitude to nature.
Cultural Reflection
The thousand-person dance is a lively experience of being guided, inspired, and uplifted, something beyond the tumult of city life. It vividly reflects the deep connection among the people of Wujie Town, showcasing their simplicity and enthusiasm, as well as their love for their hometown and confidence in the future. This is not just a celebration of the harvest; it is also a transmission and fusion of ethnic culture. Each step we take while dancing echoes through history towards the future.
Embracing the Spirit
In the fervent atmosphere of the thousand-person dance, we can feel the charm of Yi culture, experience the strength of unity, and touch the truth of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature. Every encounter with ethnic culture is a cleansing of the soul. In this vast land amidst mountains and people, let us not squander this encounter. Everyone leaves unforgettable memories in the melodies of the thousand-person dance, embracing the gifts of nature and envisioning a bright future. Together, we step into this vibrant and joyous celebration, sharing in the joy of the matsutake harvest and witnessing the prosperity and beauty of this land.
Basic Introducion
- Chinese Name: 南华县雨露乡白族灯会
- English Name: Lantern Festival of Bai Ethnic Minority in Nanhua County, Chuxiong
- Location:南华县雨露乡雨露村
The Lantern Festival, celebrated by the Bai ethnic minority in Nanhua County, Chuxiong, is an important cultural event that marks the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations. This festival, typically held on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, is a time for festivity, family gatherings, and cultural expression.
Key aspects of the Lantern Festival
1. Lantern Displays:
The highlight of the festival is the display of vibrant lanterns. These lanterns often come in various shapes and sizes, and they are beautifully crafted and decorated. The illumination of lanterns creates a festive atmosphere and serves as a symbol of hope and light for the coming year.
2. Cultural Performances:
During the festival, traditional performances are held, including folk dances, music, and theatrical presentations. Dancers often wear traditional Bai costumes, showcasing the unique cultural heritage of the Bai ethnic group. These performances help to entertain the community and preserve traditional art forms.
3. Dragon and Lion Dances:
The Dragon and Lion dances are commonly performed during the festival. These dances are believed to bring good luck and prosperity. The energetic performances attract large crowds and are a focal point of public celebration.
4. Family Reunions and Feasting:
The Lantern Festival is an occasion for family reunions. Families come together to share meals, often featuring traditional Bai dishes. Foods such as rice dumplings (tangyuan), which are round and symbolize reunion and completeness, are particularly popular during this time.
5. Guessing Lantern Riddles:
A fun tradition during the Lantern Festival is the practice of guessing riddles written on lanterns. This activity adds an interactive element to the festival and is enjoyed by people of all ages.
6. Prayers and Blessings:
The festival is also a time for people to pray for good fortune, health, and prosperity in the coming year. Communities may conduct rituals and activities to express their hopes and wishes.
7. Community Engagement:
The Lantern Festival fosters a sense of community as people participate in various activities together. It strengthens social ties and encourages collaboration among community members.
Chinese Name: 大姚县龙街镇太子会
English Name: Prince Temple Fair (Taizihui) in Dayao County, Chuxiong
Location:
http://www.dayao.gov.cn/file_read.aspx?id=27454
https://www.meipian.cn/ip7ng26
http://www.chuxiong.cn/mzwhpd/mzjq/806766.shtml
Overview
Yaoan County ’s（姚安县） folk embroidery can be divided into two categories: Han embroidery in plain district and Yi embroidery（彝族刺绣） in mountainous area. At present, the earliest embroidery products of Yi minority in mountainous areas can be found is a set of silk garments of Yi people with a history of more than 200 years,which is kept by a family in Zuomen township. According to the embroidery workers of that garment, Yaoan’s embroidery of Yi people must have been produced at least several hundred years ago. The embroidering method mainly is the convex embroidery, also has the variant embroidery, the characteristic is strong three-dimensional feeling, and the color is gorgeous.
Yi embroidery in Yaoan CountyEmbroidery Skills
Yi embroidery was first used in costumes, and the colorful costumes show their profound embroidery skills.The Yi people worship black, tiger and fire, so the embroidery of Yi people usually adopts camellia red, plum red, purple black, pink, red, green, yellow and other colors, which can not only contrast with the background color of clothes, but also highlight the brightness of flowers, the vitality of the tiger and the hotness of fire.
The embroidery patterns of Yi people are decorated with animals, plants, landscapes, celestial phenomena and various abstract geometric patterns, which symbolize the beauty and ingenuity of Yi women, the totem “tiger” represents their belief, and the most important festival — “Torch Festival“.
Embroidery Methods
Yi embroidery in Yaoan County mainly has three kinds of embroidery methods: one is to directly embroider patterns on cloth and embroider whatever you like. This kind of embroidering method mainly appears in the Zuomen, which is generally used on the front of men’s clothes and the headscarf.The other one is that first cutting paper into a variety of major design paste on the cloth, then according to the pattern embroidery out of the main figure, At last, the embroiderers play their own role according to their understanding of the pattern, this embroidery method known as convex embroidery. Still have a kind is an variant embroider, formal have card cloth embroider and mat embroider, the characteristic is to use auxiliary cloth more.
Li qiongxiu, the Yi embroidery inheritor of intangible cultural heritageHistorical Significance
Yaoan Yi embroidery art, as a kind of materialized spiritual product, is a window to see the picture scroll of a nation’s history and culture, social life, and an important part of national culture. Yaoan people build the complicated culture into a huge systematic project to maintain and inherit history, which is interpreted in the delicate needle and line, displayed in the embroidery products, and supported the national totem in the pattern art.
Chinese Version: http://www.yaoan.gov.cn/Pages_36_21479.aspx
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Chinese Name: 姚安县光禄古镇龙华会
English Name: Longhua Temple Fair in Yaoan County, Chuxiong
Location:姚安县光禄古镇龙华寺
http://www.yaoan.gov.cn/Pages_36_5426.aspx
Brief Introduction
The flower lantern of Yaoan County(姚安县), Chuxiong is a traditional folk art of song and dance in Yunnan province. Yaoan flower lantern, which is as famous as Kunming and Yuxi’s, has a very long history, it is said that it is originated from Tang Dynasty. However, due to the lack of relevant historical evidence, now the relatively consistent version is from the early Ming dynasty, the Qing dynasty and the Republic of China period. It has a history of more than 600 years since the Ming dynasty. Yaoan Lantern Festival(花灯节), which has gone through many vicissitudes of life, is still a classic of Yaoan’s traditional culture and art.
Formation
Yaoan county is a natural rice granary, destined to be one of the key areas of ” Recuperat System“(军屯制). Along with ” Recuperat System “, along with the inland immigrant’s entry, some foreign dance and rap art also entered. Once these singing, dancing and rap arts are integrated with Yao an’s folk art of shehuo and Lantern Festival, another folk song, dance and singing art form with lantern elements will emerge. By the early Qing dynasty, the forms of lanterns such as “Lahua“(《拉花》), “Autumn Drum“（《秋老鼓》） and “Cailianxiang“(《踩连厢》) had emerged in folk songs, dances and rap arts. In Xianfeng, Tongzhi years, the county basically have their own lantern troupe, every festival or happy event, they celebrate through the form of playing lantern opera.
Development and Main Plays
Later, it became the mainstream of folk art and an important art form for people to entertain themselves. Starting from this, the lantern performance art has been constantly improved. From the simple rap to the singing and dancing “Dazi Lahua“(《鞑子拉花》), from the simple form to the scene plays “Guai Ganmei“(《拐干妹》) and “Opening the Wealth Door“(《开财门》) with some story plots. Eventually, it developed into plays with characters and complete stories like “Big Mend Jar“(《大补缸》), “Playing Flower Drum“(《打花鼓》) and other kinds of lantern plays. Therefore, Yaoan lantern with local characteristics finally developed into a mature and unique artistic style, becoming a dazzling flower in Yunnan lantern garden.
Establishment of the Troupe
After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, especially the founding of the Lantern Troupe in 1956, Yao an finally came to the stage from the folk, from amateur to professional, from county to provincial to Beijing, and came out with high-quality products and glory. After the reform and opening up, the biennial rural art show through the County People’s Congress Legislation fixed down, provide a guarantee for the Yaoan’s flower lanterns to go to the stage , and many creative folk lantern artists emerged , such as Chu Zhenglong(初正龙), Zan Fangcai(昝方才), Jiang Guoding(蒋国定).
Peasant Dramatists Association
Nowadays, despite the impact of entertainment methods such as film and television, Yaoan lantern still sticks to its own position, sticks to its own art, and has its own audience. The troupe is still rehearsing and performing. The peasant drama creation group changed its appearance to a higher level and became the peasant dramatists association(农民戏剧家协会), which integrates creation and performance and becomes the leader of folk lantern art. During the festivals, the lantern team from the folk is more vigorous and full of new tricks.
http://news.163.com/10/1102/06/6KFDK37B00014AEE.html
Chinese Version: https://baike.baidu.com/item/姚安花灯/5634883
Translated by Bella Ren/任新月
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Overview
- Chinese Name: 姚安县花灯艺术节
- English Name: Huadeng Opera Art Festival in Yaoan County, Chuxiong
- Location:姚安县光禄古镇广场/Guanglu Ancient Town Square, Yaoan County
The Huadeng Opera Art Festival is a vibrant cultural event that celebrates Huadeng opera, a traditional form of Chinese opera with rich local significance. This festival not only showcases the artistry of Huadeng opera but also serves to promote local culture, foster community engagement, and highlight the region’s unique traditions.The Huadeng Opera Art Festival is not just an artistic celebration; it embodies the cultural identity of Yaoan County and provides a platform for the preservation and revitalization of Huadeng opera. Through performances, community engagement, and cultural exchange, the festival fosters pride in local traditions while inviting broader audiences to appreciate the richness of this unique art form.
Key Features
- Cultural Significance:
- Huadeng opera has deep roots in Yaoan County and is a form of folk performance that combines music, dance, and drama. It is characterized by its colorful costumes, lively performances, and incorporation of local dialects and customs.
- Performance Showcase:
- The festival features a variety of performances from local artists and troupes, highlighting the skills of actors and musicians. The repertoire usually includes classic plays, contemporary adaptations, and new creations that reflect local stories and traditions.
- Community Involvement:
- The festival encourages participation from local residents, who come together to enjoy performances, engage in workshops, and even participate in acts. This fosters a sense of community and encourages the transmission of cultural knowledge to younger generations.
- Artistic Exchange:
- Artists and performers from outside Yaoan County are often invited to participate, facilitating cultural exchange and enriching the festival’s offerings. This interaction allows for the sharing of different styles and techniques within the realm of traditional Chinese opera.
- Cultural Exhibitions:
- In addition to opera performances, the festival may include exhibitions of related art forms, such as painting, calligraphy, and traditional crafts. These exhibitions showcase the broader cultural heritage of the region.
- Local Cuisine:
- Food is a significant element of the festival, showcasing traditional Yaoan cuisine. Local dishes are offered, allowing visitors to experience the flavors of the region alongside the art performances.
- Educational Aspects:
- Workshops and seminars on performing arts may be organized during the festival, aimed at educating participants about the history, techniques, and cultural context of Huadeng opera. This helps enhance appreciation for this art form.
- Tourism Promotion:
- The Huadeng Opera Art Festival also serves as a tourism attraction, drawing visitors from other regions and contributing to the local economy. It raises awareness of Yaoan County’s cultural heritage and encourages the preservation of traditional art forms.
Chinese Name: 彝族梅葛文化
English Name:Meige Culture of Yi Ethnic Minority
http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-11111-1156.html
Overview
- Chinese Name: 姚安县彝族梅葛文化节
- English Name: Meige Culture Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Yaoan County, Chuxiong
- Location:Mayouping Village, Guantun Township, Yao’an County/姚安县官屯乡马游坪村
Introduction
“Meige” is a transliteration from the Yi language, where “mei” means “to speak” and “ge” means “ancient.” Therefore, “Meige” refers to the act of reciting ancient stories. The Meige of the Chuxiong Yi people is transmitted orally by the talented singing and dancing Yi people, passed down from generation to generation, forming a grand epic of national mythology with relatively fixed methods of performance and content. Most of the illiterate Yi ancestors, despite not being able to read or write, could sing the “celestial script” of Meige as easily as flowing streams, effortlessly and naturally.
The Yi people’s “Meige,” filled with an ancient and mysterious aura, represents the ancient Yi people’s expression regarding the origins of all things. It is a crystallization of the collective wisdom of the Yi people over thousands of years, a timeless ancient song of the Yi community that can never be fully sung.
The Meige melodies are divided into two main categories: “Chimei” (Red Meige) and “Fumei” (Auxiliary Meige). The melodies of “Chimei” are relatively mournful, sorrowful, and low-pitched, while “Fumei” features more lyrical and expressive tunes. In actual performances, Meige melodies can further be categorized into five types: Guoshan Diao (Mountain Melody), Laonian Meige (Old Age Meige), Qingshan Meige (Youth Meige), Wawa Meige (Child’s Meige), and Libie Diao (Farewell Melody). “Guoshan Diao” is often sung loudly in the high mountains and forests, with a rough and resonant tone. “Laonian Meige” is typically sung during festivals, weddings, funerals, and joyous banquets, focusing on themes of creation and establishing a family, characterized by a low and smooth melody. “Qingshan Meige” expresses deep and affectionate reflections on pure love and life, often improvised between young men and women during late-night gatherings or visits. “Wawa Meige” consists of humorous and playful children’s songs, light-hearted and catchy. “Libie Diao” is poignant and sorrowful, usually sung by middle-aged Yi men and women expressing their feelings of longing and aging; it often features a call-and-response format between male and female singers.
Throughout history, the Yi people have spread their imagined wings, relying on their innate talent for improvisational song and dance, using the specific melodies of “Meige” to express a language of song and dance art, blooming freely in their homeland.
In the 1950s, Yi artist Luo Xueming from Mayouping performed at the Great Hall of the People. In 1961, Guo Moruo visited Chuxiong and composed a poem: “Flowers bloom in the frontier, twelve brothers gather together, working hard in harmony, the songs and dances of Meige exude fragrance.” In 1982, it participated in the “National Ethnic Minority Arts Performance” and received accolades from the Ministry of Culture. An American friend, Mr. Mark Bendler, visited Mayou Village for research and translated “Meige” into English, publishing it in the American magazine “Exploration” in March 1987, which sparked a strong response in the international academic community. In June 2008, Yi Meige was officially listed by the State Council as part of the second batch of national intangible cultural heritage protection.
Activities
The Yi Meige is primarily distributed in the Yi-populated areas of Chuxiong Prefecture, including Mayouping in Yao’an County, Tanhua, Santai, and Guihua in Dayao County, Zhijia in Yongren County, and Lawan in Mouding County. The Meige Cultural Festival is the most grand celebration in the Yi mountainous region, centered around the historical site of Meige in Mayouping, Yao’an County. It features singing Meige tunes as its main event and is commonly referred to as the Meige Gathering or “Duidaozi,” meaning a singing competition.
During the festival, the Yi people dress in traditional attire, play three-stringed instruments, blow bamboo flutes, and sing Meige songs. The sounds of singing and bamboo flute dancing flutter through the Yi villages like butterflies, creating a lively atmosphere. The art and charm of the Meige culture seep into the hearts of everyone through the songs.
At the Meige Cultural Festival, you can not only witness the Yi community coming together for three days and nights of enthusiastic Meige singing but also enjoy exciting traditional sports performances and taste local delicacies such as spicy fish, hill-grown yam, sweetened buckwheat cakes, and triangular glutinous rice soup.
During the annual Yi New Year, Yao’an County in Chuxiong Prefecture holds the “Yao’an Yi Meige Cultural Festival” in Guantun Town, Mayou Village, which is celebrated as the “hometown of Meige” and the “land of songs and dances.” Guests can witness the grand recitation of the Yi epic “Meige.”
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Chinese Name: 大姚县龙街镇太子会 English Name: Prince Temple Fair (Taizihui) in Dayao County, Chuxiong Location: http://www.dayao.gov.cn/file_read.aspx?id=27454 https://www.meipian.cn/ip7ng26 http://www.chuxiong.cn/mzwhpd/mzjq/806766.shtml...
Yi Embroidery in Yao’an County, Chuxiong
Overview Yaoan County ’s（姚安县） folk embroidery can be divided into two categories: Han embroidery in plain district and Yi embroidery（彝族刺绣） in mountainous area. At present, the earliest embroidery products of Yi...
Longhua Temple Fair in Yaoan County, Chuxiong
Chinese Name: 姚安县光禄古镇龙华会 English Name: Longhua Temple Fair in Yaoan County, Chuxiong Location:姚安县光禄古镇龙华寺 http://www.yaoan.gov.cn/Pages_36_5426.aspx...
Huadeng (Flower Lantern) Opera in Yaoan County, Chuxiong
Brief Introduction The flower lantern of Yaoan County(姚安县), Chuxiong is a traditional folk art of song and dance in Yunnan province. Yaoan flower lantern, which is as famous as Kunming...
Huadeng Opera Art Festival in Yaoan County, Chuxiong
Overview Chinese Name: 姚安县花灯艺术节 English Name: Huadeng Opera Art Festival in Yaoan County, Chuxiong Location:姚安县光禄古镇广场/Guanglu Ancient Town Square, Yaoan County The Huadeng Opera Art Festival is a vibrant cultural...
Meige Culture of Yi Ethnic Minority
Chinese Name: 彝族梅葛文化 English Name:Meige Culture of Yi Ethnic Minority http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-11111-1156.html...
Meige Culture Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Yaoan County, Chuxiong
Overview Chinese Name: 姚安县彝族梅葛文化节 English Name: Meige Culture Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Yaoan County, Chuxiong Location:Mayouping Village, Guantun Township, Yao’an County/姚安县官屯乡马游坪村 Introduction “Meige” is a transliteration fr...
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