Festivals and Events in March in Yunnan Province

Yunnan Festivals in March introduces ethnic festivals and activities celebrated in Yunnan, such as March Street (Sanyuejie) Festival of Bai Ethnic Minority, Aluwoluo Festival of Achang Ethnic People and Snack Festival held in Weishan County, ect.

In March, Yunnan Province continues to showcase its rich cultural diversity with various festivals celebrated by the numerous ethnic groups in the region. Here are some festivals and events that typically take place in March:

  1. Sanyuesan (三月三): This is a traditional festival celebrated by several ethnic minorities, including the Zhuang, Miao, and Dong people, on the third day of the third lunar month. It often involves singing, dancing, and other cultural activities.

  2. Bai People’s March Street (白族三月街): Also known as the Dali Third Month Fair, it is one of the grandest festivals for the Bai people in Dali. The festival includes trade fairs, horse trading, and various performances and competitions.

  3. Water-Splashing Festival of the Dai People (傣族泼水节): Although the Water-Splashing Festival, or New Year of the Dai ethnic group, is usually celebrated in mid-April, some activities may start in late March. It is the most important festival for the Dai people, featuring water splashing to symbolize washing away bad luck and bringing good fortune.

  4. Munao Zongge Festival of the Jingpo People (景颇族木那砧歌节): This is a grand festival of the Jingpo ethnic group, featuring large-scale group dancing called Zongge.

  5. Butterfly Festival of the Yi People (彝族蝴蝶节): Celebrated in some Yi communities, this festival is associated with love and courtship rituals.

  6. Guanyin Fair (观音会): Some areas with Buddhist traditions may hold fairs to celebrate the birthday of Guanyin, the Bodhisattva of compassion, which falls on the 19th day of the second lunar month, sometimes occurring in March.

It’s important to note that the dates and activities associated with these festivals can vary from year to year and between different communities. Additionally, the lunar calendar determines the timing of many traditional festivals, so the corresponding Gregorian calendar dates change each year.

For the most accurate information, visitors should consult local tourism websites, cultural event listings, or contact local cultural departments or tourism information centers in Yunnan closer to their intended visit.