Festivals and Events in June in Yunnan Province

Yunnan Festivals in June introduces ethnic festivals and activities celebrated in Yunnan in June, such as Dragon Boat Festival, Huashan Festival of Miao ethnic group and Mango Festival in Yuanjiang County, ect.

June in Yunnan Province is a lively month with several ethnic festivals and events taking place. Here are some of the festivals you might encounter:

  1. The Torch Festival (火把节): Celebrated by the Yi, Bai, Naxi, and other ethnic groups, the Torch Festival usually takes place around the 24th day of the sixth lunar month. It’s a time for people to pray for a good harvest and to drive away evil spirits. Activities include torch parades, fireworks, singing, dancing, and bullfighting.

  2. The Dragon Boat Festival (端午节): If the 5th day of the 5th lunar month falls in June, you can witness Dragon Boat races and partake in eating zongzi. This festival commemorates the life and death of the ancient poet Qu Yuan.

  3. Zhuanshan Festival (转山节): Celebrated by the Tibetan people in Yunnan, this festival involves circumambulating mountains that are considered sacred. It’s a time for prayer, reflection, and community gatherings.

  4. Nadam Fair (那达慕大会): Although more commonly associated with Inner Mongolia, some Mongolian communities in Yunnan also celebrate this traditional festival with activities like horse racing, wrestling, and archery.

  5. The Yi People’s Axi Fire Festival (阿细跳火节): This is a unique festival of the Axi subgroup of the Yi ethnic minority. The main event is a fire-jumping ceremony, where people leap over bonfires to symbolize bravery and drive away evil spirits.

  6. Yunnan Cultural and Tourism Festival: This event is usually held in Kunming and showcases the province’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. It includes ethnic performances, handicraft exhibitions, and food festivals.

  7. Lijiang International Cultural Festival: In the beautiful ancient town of Lijiang, this festival may feature a mix of Naxi culture and international elements, with music, dance, and art from around the world.

Since the dates of many ethnic festivals are based on the lunar calendar, they can vary from year to year. Additionally, the timing of some festivals might shift due to local decisions or agricultural cycles. It’s always a good idea to check with local tourism offices or cultural event calendars for the most up-to-date information before planning your visit.