The Yi ethnic group is one of the major ethnic minorities in southwestern China, with a rich and ancient history. They primarily reside in Yunnan, Sichuan, Guizhou provinces, and the northwestern part of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. The Yi people generally exhibit a dispersed settlement pattern with small clusters.

In Sichuan, the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture and counties like Shilin Yi Autonomous County and Luquan Yi and Miao Autonomous County are significant areas of Yi concentration. Additionally, Yi populations are sporadically distributed from the Dadu River in the north to the Yunnan border in the south, the Wu River in the east, and the Lancang River in the west. In these regions, Yi communities often intermingle with Han Chinese and other ethnic minorities.

The List of Ethnic Festivals in Yunnan

Outside China, there are also over 30,000 Yi people residing in countries such as Vietnam, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia, and Myanmar. Vietnam alone has more than 10,000 Yi individuals.

The Yi ethnic group celebrates numerous traditional festivals, each serving different social functions. Some of the most prominent Yi festivals include:

1. Kai Xin Jie (开新街): This is a traditional festival of the Yi people in Eshan, Yunnan. It occurs on the first market day after the first day of the Lunar New Year. In the past, after a ritual to worship the gods on the night of New Year’s Eve, families refrained from visiting each other until the Lantern Festival (on the second or third day of the Lunar New Year). People wear new clothes on Kai Xin Jie and play various ancient and unique musical instruments. They perform dragon dances, shrimp dances, lion dances, and colorful boat lantern dances, accompanied by lively drum dances. The festival begins with the sounding of ground cannons followed by speeches from respected elders wishing for a prosperous year with abundant harvests. Various cultural performances and entertainment activities are held throughout the day and evening, including bonfires and continued dancing and singing.
2. Gu Niang Jie (姑娘节): Also known as the “Girls’ Street Festival,” this festival is celebrated by Yi girls in Jinping, Yunnan, on the first market day after Chinese New Year. Besides Yi girls, Yao, Miao, and Hani girls also participate. The main activities include hand-in-hand circle dances showcasing their youth and beauty. One of the distinctive features of Gu Niang Jie is the trading of goods. Yi girls sell mountain products and medicinal herbs they bring, then buy lace, silk thread, and silver jewelry. During these transactions, young men often compete to pay for the girls’ purchases, singing local tunes such as “Long time no visit to the bustling street, the bamboo hat and fan are lined up. What does sister want? Quickly buy, sister buys bamboo hat, brother pays.” It’s a time for young men and women to express their affections openly. As the sun sets, along the returning market paths, love songs fill the air as couples revel in joy and sweetness.
3. Bai Gu Ye Jie (拜姑爷节):
   • Location and Date: Celebrated in Eshan, Yunnan, on the second day of the Lunar New Year.
   • Customs: This festival is organized at the village level. It involves bringing back to the village all the young women who have married out of the village in the past three to five years, along with their husbands (referred to as “Gu Ye”). Each household sends large red invitations to the Gu Ye, and the village organizes lion dances, dragon lanterns, flower drum teams, and large-headed monks to visit each household and pay respects. The Gu Ye must welcome the procession with firecrackers and offer candies and pastries. Some villages also gather all the Gu Ye for a collective worship session, where they display their wisdom and talents. During this gathering, various high-yield crop seeds are often displayed. Bai Gu Ye Jie is said to have a history of over a hundred years.
4. Sai Zhuang Jie (赛装节):
   • Location and Date: Held in Yongren County, Yunnan, on the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year.
   • Legend and Customs: Legend has it that in ancient times, two brave and industrious brothers lived happily with their fellow villagers as skilled hunters. When the village elders prepared to arrange marriages for them, they requested clever and skilled brides. Thus, on the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year, the village elders gathered all the young women to compete in costume-making. The brothers selected their preferred brides based on their craftsmanship. The festival is named “Sai Zhuang Jie” (Costume Competition Festival). During the festival, the young women wear self-made splendid costumes, showcasing their beauty and skill. The winner of the costume competition becomes the target of admiration and pursuit for young men.
5. Hei Jing Deng Hui (黑井灯会):
   • Location and Date: Celebrated in Mouping County, Yunnan, on the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year.
   • Customs: Hei Jing area is known for salt production. The highlight of the festival is the “dragon dance” with nine sections symbolizing the nine wells of saltwater, hoping for a prosperous salt industry. Other activities include drumming, tribute offerings, matchmakers, water shows, lion dances, marriage customs, and profit celebrations. The finale is the “He Jing Tai Ping” with two colored cloud lanterns, salt lamps, white crane lamps, and carp lamps forming the shape of a well. This symbolizes peace and prosperity in the salt industry.
6. Ba Wu Jie (巴乌节):
   • Location and Date: Celebrated in Dongshan and Xishan areas of Heqing County, Yunnan, on the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year.
   • Customs: “Ba Wu” means “to fetch” in the Yi language, symbolizing the celebration of successful hunting and the hope for future bountiful hunting seasons. In the past, every time the village caught game, they would perform the “Ba Wu” dance. During the festival, hunters present the head of the game to the organizers or commanders, and the skin to the hunter who killed the game. The meat is handed to the officiating “Abu” for roasting over a sacrificial fire. The festival has evolved into a traditional event held at regular intervals. Today, Ba Wu festivities include vibrant dances and songs. Women dress in animal skins or feathers of various beasts and birds, imitating their movements and sounds. Hunters, armed with bows and spears, surround the “prey” to demonstrate hunting actions. Activities during the festival also include dragon lantern dances, lion dances, and crane dances.
7. Er Yue Qi (二月七):
   • Location and Date: Celebrated in Juntun Town, Eshan Yi Autonomous County, Yunnan, on the seventh day of the second lunar month.
   • Origin and Customs: This festival originated around the end of the Ming Dynasty. Its purpose is to pray for the protection and well-being of all infants and children in the town. Before the festival, three finely crafted sedan chairs are prepared: two with roofs for carrying the statues of the Holy Mother and the Earth God, and one with a seat for the Wealth God. On the evening of the sixth day of the lunar month, a senior official retrieves three small statues from the Shrine of the Holy Mother to place them on the main altar of the temple, a ritual known as “Nuan Shou” (Warming Longevity).
   • On the morning of the seventh day, all children born in the past year in Juntun Town are dressed in festive attire by their parents. They carry a “jia,” a bamboo frame decorated with two small flags, on their shoulders. Each child is also handed a pair of male and female chickens. They proceed to the shrine of the Bodhisattva, where they receive blessings. The children take down the flags from the “jia” and the frame is then burned. The parents then take the children and chickens home, where the chickens are cooked and offered in gratitude at the Shrine of the Holy Mother. After fulfilling their vows, people start welcoming the deities. Juntun Town is divided into four sections, each taking turns to lead the procession. The procession includes the “Taixiang Old Man,” who carries lit incense sticks, followed by sedan chairs carrying the deities and various lanterns. Only men who married in the current year or the previous year can carry the sedan chairs, dressed neatly in traditional attire. The festival activities continue until the fifteenth day of the lunar month when the deities are returned to the Shrine of the Holy Mother.
8. Cha Hua Jie (插花节):
   • Location and Date: Celebrated among the Xiong Yi ethnic group in Chuxiong, Yunnan, on the eighth day of the second lunar month.
   • Legend and Customs: This festival commemorates a legendary figure named Mi Yilu. Long ago on Mount Tanhua, Mi Yilu, known for her singing and embroidery skills, encountered a fierce wolf while tending sheep. A brave and skilled young hunter named Chao Leluo saved her and the flock. In gratitude, Mi Yilu gave Chao Leluo a snow-white azalea flower. They fell in love and lived happily. However, a local chieftain abducted young girls from various villages to serve in his celestial garden. Mi Yilu, angered by this injustice, decided to save her sisters. On the eighth day of the second lunar month, she adorned her hair with poisonous flowers and infiltrated the chieftain’s garden, pretending to marry him. She poisoned him by putting the flowers in his wine, sacrificing herself in the process. Chao Leluo returned from hunting to find Mi Yilu dead, and his tears stained the azalea flowers red. To honor Mi Yilu’s courage and sacrifice, Yi people from villages within a radius of dozens of miles gather on Mount Tanhua every year on the eighth day of the second lunar month. They collect fresh flowers and decorate doorways, tree sides, village entrances, animal sheds, plows, and farming tools. This tradition has been passed down through generations to this day.
9. 二月八 (February 8th):
   • Location and Date: Celebrated annually on the eighth day of the second lunar month, lasting for three days.
   • Origin and Customs: This festival commemorates a legendary Yi ethnic hero named Mikou who displayed exceptional intelligence in defeating powerful enemies during a critical moment. During the festival, all men from the village gather at the oldest and tallest tree near the village, known as the Mikou Tree. Each household offers a bowl of rice, a piece of salt, tea, and wine as a tribute to Mikou. The festival includes various recreational activities such as singing, wrestling, and swinging on swings. These activities serve both as entertainment and as a way to honor the hero Mikou and reinforce communal bonds.
10. 赛歌会 (Sai Ge Hui):
    • Location and Date: Celebrated among the Lalu branch of the Yi ethnic group in Yuanjiang County, Yunnan, on the Ox Day of the second lunar month.
    • Origin and Customs: Sai Ge Hui is a traditional singing competition and gathering held annually. The event takes place on a flat area outside the village where several bonfires are lit. People sit around the fires and wait for the sound of the reed-pipe instrument called “lusheng” to signal the beginning of the competition. Skilled singers and dancers then enter the circle and perform dances accompanied by the lusheng. Spectators cheer and clap to encourage the performers. Following the group performances, there is a male-female duet singing competition where young men and women sing to each other. This is a traditional way for young people to express affection and courtship openly in front of the community. If a pair of singers mutually agree to continue their relationship, they leave the circle holding hands, signaling their romantic commitment. If not, they gracefully decline through their songs. The event can last for several days until no one remains to compete, marking its conclusion with celebrations and communal dances.
11. 护山节 (Hu Shan Jie)Location and Date: Hu Shan Jie is a traditional festival of the Yi ethnic group in Xilonglin. It is celebrated annually on the third and fourth days of the third lunar month.Origin and Customs: During Hu Shan Jie, it is prohibited for anyone to go up the mountains to cut trees or gather firewood, or to drive livestock to graze on the mountains. Each village organizes a “hunting” activity, typically involving young people. Participants dress up as animals and appear before the “hunters” in the evening. The “hunters” use bamboo cannons as their weapons. After the “hunt,” celebratory activities take place with everyone gathering around fires to sing and dance until dawn.
12. 搭清节 (Da Qing Jie)Location and Date: Da Qing Jie is a festival of the Yi ethnic women in Baishui District, Qujing City, Yunnan. It is celebrated on the first Ma Day of the third lunar month.Origin and Customs: On this day, all household chores are handled by men. Women dress up and bring food to the dense mountains nearby. They dig fire pits, make fires, and cook meals. After the meals are prepared, everyone sits on the ground. They first offer wine to the elder women and then serve food to the young girls. Afterwards, they enjoy their meal while singing folk tunes until the moon is high in the sky. Finally, they leave, taking care of the elderly and children. Nearby Han women are also invited to participate in this festival.
13. Valentine’s Day (情人节)Yi Valentine’s Day is a traditional folk festival of the Bai Yi people, a branch of the Yi ethnic group in Napo County, Guangxi. It is held annually in the third lunar month and serves as a day for expressing love. Typically, young men give white sugar cakes to the young women, while the young women give pure glutinous rice to the young men. The Bai Yi people hold white in high regard, symbolizing purity of heart and sincerity in love by giving each other these white foods.
14. Mouding March Festival(牟定三月会)The Mouding March Festival is a traditional celebration of the Yi people in Chuxiong, Yunnan. It is held annually on the fourteenth day of the third lunar month and lasts for three to five days. During the festival, not only do Yi people from various places in Chuxiong gather, but people from neighboring Bai, Hui, Tibetan, Miao, and Han ethnic groups also travel from afar to join the festivities in Mouding. Every year during the March Festival, the county town of Mouding is filled with the sound of gongs and drums, and the air is thick with the smoke of firecrackers, creating a lively and jubilant atmosphere. People join hands and dance the Yi folk dance, the “Left Foot Dance,” in a circle.There are various stories about the origins of the March Festival. One story is that it commemorates Li Wenxue, a Yi uprising leader from Ailao Mountain. Another story tells of a dragon pond outside Mouding City, where a dragon caused storms, floods, and destruction of crops and livestock every year in the third and fourth lunar months. The county magistrate advised the villagers to burn several pounds of charcoal by the pond on the twenty-eighth day of the third month. At the magistrate’s signal, they threw the red-hot charcoal into the pond and then filled it with mud and stones. The villagers celebrated the victory over the dragon by dancing and singing on the filled pond, thus commemorating the triumph over the dragon.
15. Clothing Festival(服装节)The Clothing Festival is a traditional celebration of the Yi ethnic group in Sandaishan, Dayao County, Yunnan, held annually on the 28th day of the third lunar month. During the festival, women don a variety of splendid costumes. The festival showcases an array of exquisite embroidery, featuring motifs of birds, animals, flowing water, clouds, mountain flowers, and wild grasses, all skillfully crafted by Yi women.According to legend, a long time ago, there was a smart and beautiful girl named Amini in Sandaishan. She made a garment imitating the feathers of a golden pheasant, with intricate patterns and vibrant colors that surpassed the clothes made by the craftsmen hired by the chieftain. Forced by the chieftain, Amini transformed into a golden pheasant and flew away. The people commemorate her by holding the Clothing Festival. During the festival, girls wear several sets of beautiful clothes to win honor. At night, they dance and sing joyfully, and young men come to find the talented girls they admired during the day.
16. Chuan Hui Festival(串会节)The Chuan Hui Festival is a traditional festival of the Yi ethnic group in Yangbi County, Yunnan, held on the 29th day of the third lunar month. During the festival, people gather to hold singing and dancing activities in the courtyard. A dancing team is formed, dancing around three bonfires, accompanied by the sound of four reed pipes. The dance is paired with antiphonal singing, creating a lively atmosphere.
17. Jiao Gong FestivalKnown in the Yi language as “Konggao,” meaning a day of celebration, the Jiao Gong Festival is a traditional festival of the Yi people in Napo County, Guangxi. The festival dates vary by location, with some places celebrating on the third day of the fourth lunar month. This festival is a day to worship ancestors, the land, and mountain gods. People reenact scenes from ancient Yi wars and daily life. The festival is led by hereditary hosts who recite the history of their people, perform the Golden Bamboo Dance, sing antiphonal songs, drink, and feast. The Golden Bamboo Dance is particularly important and lasts for two days. Before the dance, a pig head is used to worship the ancestors, and then the “Magaong” leads the dance, with everyone following the rhythm of reed pipes and bronze drums.According to legend, a long time ago, Yi leader Jiugong lost a battle and was forced to hide in a golden bamboo forest. He cleverly set the bamboo leaves on fire to confuse the enemy, who then retreated in fear. Jiugong, grateful for the golden bamboo’s help, planted a cluster of golden bamboo in the village square and led his people in dancing and singing around it in the fourth lunar month. Over time, ancestor worship and storytelling were added to the celebrations, evolving into the established festival.
18. Sha Hu Bi Festival(跳公节)The Sha Hu Bi Festival is a traditional festival of the Yi people in Longjie, Weishan, Yunnan. “Sha Hu Bi” means “small spring tasting new” in the Yi language. The festival takes place in mid-April of the lunar calendar, after the wheat harvest. During the festival, each household makes offerings to the ancestors using wheat flour and sugar, glutinous rice, and walnuts, dipping them in honey. Married women return to their natal homes with walnuts, celebrating the small spring harvest with family and friends, and inviting elders and relatives to taste the new produce.
19. Duyang Festival (都阳节)The Duyang Festival is a traditional festival celebrated by the Yi ethnic group in the Leibo area of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan, along the Jinsha River. It falls on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month each year. This festival symbolizes unity and friendship between the Yi and Han ethnic groups.Legend has it that in ancient times, during an extremely hot year, a severe epidemic broke out in a Yi village. People were terrified. Upon hearing about this, Han people living by the river brought wormwood, mugwort, and realgar collected during the Dragon Boat Festival up the mountain. They used these medicinal herbs to treat the wounds of the elderly and cleanse the bodies of the sick with realgar wine. Within a few days, everyone recovered from their illnesses. In gratitude, the Yi people prepared generous gifts and descended the mountain to thank their Han brothers. The Han people explained to them that the herbs used during the Dragon Boat Festival could cure many diseases and ward off evil spirits. From then on, the Yi people also began celebrating the Dragon Boat Festival. Since the Dragon Boat Festival is also known as Duanwu Festival, it is called “Duyang Festival” in Yi language.

    On this day, every household hangs wormwood and mugwort in front of their doors. Children wipe their faces with realgar wine, and young men and women pack zongzi, bring wine, and dried meat, and head to the picturesque mountain meadows for recreational activities such as wrestling, horse racing, bull fighting, sheep fighting, and dancing.

20. Horse Racing Festival(赛马节)The Horse Racing Festival is a traditional festival of the Yi ethnic group in Weining, Guizhou, celebrated annually on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. People bring their meticulously bred and trained horses to the racecourse. The main criterion for the race is speed, and the first horse to reach the designated finish line wins. The festival attracts large crowds and is filled with fervent excitement.
21. Herb Picking Festival(采药节)The Herb Picking Festival is a Yi ethnic festival in the Xiaoliangshan area of Yunnan, celebrated annually on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month. The main activity of the festival is gathering and selling medicinal herbs. At dawn, people of all ages carry herb hoes and baskets, heading to high mountains, deep valleys, and low gullies to collect various herbs. Some families also take the herbs they collect to the market to sell. The local Yi people believe that herbs collected on the 5th day of the 5th lunar month have the best medicinal effects.
22. Ji Gong Festival(祭公节)The Ji Gong Festival is a traditional festival of the Yi ethnic group in Longlin, Guangxi. It is held annually from the 16th to the 19th day of the 5th lunar month. On the 16th, people gather at the three-way intersection of major roads to worship their ancestors and pray for abundant crops and the safety of people and livestock. Legend has it that long ago, the oppressive rule threatened the survival of the Yi ancestors. On the 16th day of the 5th lunar month, they bravely fought against enemies several times larger, and their leader sacrificed himself after being seriously injured. To commemorate him, people have gathered at the intersection every year on the 16th day of the 5th lunar month, passing down the tradition from generation to generation. The Ji Gong Festival is celebrated for four days. On the first day, people participate only in worship activities; on the following three days, they visit relatives and friends, celebrating together. During this time, young men and women dress in their finest attire, gather in public places, play reed pipes, dance, and enjoy the festive atmosphere with people of all ages from the village.
23. 斗牛节 (Dou Niu Jie)The Yi ethnic group excels in raising and engaging in bullfighting. Annually, on the first day of the sixth lunar month, the Yi people hold bullfighting competitions. During this festival, bulls are first grouped and then the strongest among them compete for the championship. The owner of the defeated bull honors the victorious bull by hanging a red silk cloth on it as a gesture of congratulations. The festival also features lively singing and dancing activities. Young men and women dress in festive attire and dance joyfully to the accompaniment of the sanxian, while singing with abandon.
24. 底拉 (Di La)Di La is a traditional religious festival among the Yi ethnic group in Yuanjiang County, Yunnan. It is celebrated annually on the sixth day of the sixth lunar month. During this festival, the villagers collectively slaughter cattle and each household sacrifices chickens. Fruits such as peaches, pears, and pomegranates are prepared as offerings. Following this, an ancestor worship ceremony takes place. People hang various fruits on their doors and arrange offerings of wine and meat. They burn incense, light candles, kneel, and perform the rituals of worship, praying for the ancestors to bless humans and livestock with safety and prosperity in agriculture. After the rituals, people celebrate with feasting, singing, and dancing until they disperse happily.
25. 剪羊毛节 (Jian Yang Mao Jie)In the households of Yi ethnic pastoralists in Liangshan, Sichuan, there is an annual festival known as Jian Yang Mao Jie, which falls in mid-June of the lunar calendar. During this festival, both Yi men and women ascend Huangmao Ridge in Liangshan to shear sheep, creating a spectacular scene.
26. Fire Torch Festival(火把节)The Fire Torch Festival is a traditional festival of the Yi ethnic group, typically held around June 24th in Sichuan and Yunnan, and around early June 6th in Guizhou according to the lunar calendar. It is deeply rooted in the worship of fire and includes significant folk customs such as offering sacrifices to gods and fields, praying for a fruitful harvest, and warding off evil spirits.During the festival, in some regions, villages collectively slaughter livestock to offer sacrifices to the gods, while in others, each household brings chickens to the fields to worship the land gods. In Liangshan Yi areas during the Fire Torch Festival, everyone rushes home to have a reunion dinner. Before dinner, they sacrifice chickens to their ancestors and afterwards perform the torch lighting ceremony.

    During the ceremony, the head of each household lights a torch made from dry bitter bamboo poles, which illuminates every corner of the house from above. They recite prayers such as “burn away all inauspicious things, may the family be safe, crops plentiful, and livestock thriving.” They then proceed through the cattle and sheep pens, joining the procession of torches in the village. Afterward, people gather around blazing bonfires to enjoy singing and dancing.

    The festival features lively collective dances such as Dage and Mile from Weishan, Axisitao Yue from Yiliang, Datiao from Chuxiong, Dasanxian from Lounan, Luozuowu from Honghe, and Duoluohe from Liangshan. Today, the Fire Torch Festival has evolved to include a variety of entertainment activities such as bullfighting, wrestling, horse racing, beauty contests, singing competitions, dances, archery, and more. Some areas also engage in commercial trade activities.

    The night of the Fire Torch Festival in Yi ethnic villages is extraordinarily beautiful and enchanting, as described in ancient poetry: “Clouds scatter, the red sun inclines towards the mountain, torches shimmering and competing, like myriad lotus flowers blooming in a bustling market under the starry sky.”

27. Gan Hua Festival赶花节Gan Hua Festival is a traditional festival of the Leisu branch of the Yi ethnic group, celebrated at the junction of Eshan, Xinping, and Shuangbai counties in Yunnan. The festival occurs twice a year, on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month and the 15th day of the seventh lunar month. According to legend, a Han Chinese girl fell in love with a Leisu young man, but they faced persecution due to their different ethnic backgrounds. They chose to commit suicide together on the peak of Daxi Mountain by the Green Juice River. To commemorate this couple, people started holding singing and dancing activities on the grassy slopes of Daxi Mountain. Over time, more and more people joined, gradually making it a traditional festival of the Leisu people. Dancing and entertainment are the main activities of the Gan Hua Festival, where people dance freely, wishing for the happiness and eternal love of the young and prosperity of crops, free from pests, and a bountiful harvest.
28. La Ma Festival拉麻节La Ma Festival, “拉麻” in Yi language meaning to celebrate the bull deity, is a traditional festival of the local Yi people. It is held on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month at the Hoanuodong in the mountains between Heqing and Jianchuan counties in Yunnan.Above the cave entrance, there is a rock wall shaped like a bull’s head, believed to be the incarnation of a bull. Early in the morning of the festival day, people converge here from all directions, carrying white chestnut leaves and offering food on the altar beneath the stone. They then shout, “Awaken, Bull King!” and pile the white chestnut leaves inside the cave. An elderly and respected person ignites them, and people gather around the bonfire to sing and dance. Later, they perform the La Ma ritual on the grassy lawn outside the cave: a fire is lit in the center, someone wearing a bull-headed mask and palm-fiber clothing acts as the Bull King, mimicking various movements of a bull around the fire. Another person holds a bamboo tube symbolically milking the bull’s belly for good luck. Others dance and sprinkle grains towards the Bull King while onlookers applaud, hoping to catch the Bull King. The Bull King evades capture, and then a shepherd, dressed in a felt hat shaped like a winnowing basket and wearing a sheepskin jacket, enters with a group of girls dancing with flower wreaths. The girls dance around the Bull King, hanging flower garlands and bouquets on him. Then, they carry the Bull King in a sedan chair made of green pine to visit various villages, bringing blessings and happiness. In the evening, each village lights seven bonfires in the central flat area, where people gather around to blow ox horns and beat ox-hide drums, performing dances celebrating plowing and harvesting to thank the bull deity. Each household also conducts a separate ceremony to celebrate the bull: the head of the household first ignites the fire pit, and family members add four matches in a cross shape by seniority. The hostess places a basket containing various grains in front of the fire pit, ties four short bundles of rice straw at the four corners of the basket with red thread, lights a pair of candles on the basket beam, and places some offerings. The host slaughters a red rooster, dripping chicken blood into the basket, and sticks three strands of chicken feathers on the basket beam. Then, the entire family walks around the bull pen chanting, “Long live the bull, long live the people, and may there be a bountiful harvest,” while the hostess posts a “Lucky Picture” of a plowing bull with a pair of boys and girls on the bull pen door. Finally, the whole family sits on the ground outside the bull pen to dine together, feeding the bull some glutinous rice cakes to share in the joy with the bull.
29. Changxin Festival尝新节Changxin Festival is a traditional festival of the Yi ethnic group in the Lu Ming area of Xiangyun County, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan. It takes place around the time of the rice harvest on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month each year. Before the festival, relatives and friends are invited to participate. The hosts prepare abundant food, and some even slaughter sheep. Before tasting the new rice, freshly harvested rice is paired with dishes such as chicken and lamb to offer sacrifices to ancestors and gods, expressing gratitude and praying for good weather and peace in the coming year. During the meal, guests and hosts toast each other. Guests praise the host’s diligence and wish for a prosperous harvest in the coming year, while the host expresses thanks for ancestral blessings and the help of relatives and friends. When eating the new rice, the elders are served first, followed by children, and then everyone eats together.
30. Yi New Year彝年Yi New Year is a traditional festival of the Yi ethnic group in both Greater and Lesser Liangshan, celebrated annually on an auspicious day in the tenth lunar month. Before Yi New Year, people gather firewood and prepare food, and meticulously raise the New Year pig. During the three days of the festival: On the first day, “Lighting Fireworks,” in the early morning, gentle smoke signals invite ancestral spirits home to celebrate with descendants. “Slaughtering the New Year Pig” involves all villagers, young and old (except for the hostess staying at home), joyfully following the expert butcher, “Weng Seregu,” to slaughter the New Year pig house by house, following the village’s hierarchy. “Songmu,” or offering sacrifices, involves cooking and offering parts of the pig liver and meat, which the male host takes to the altar above the fire pit to pray for a bountiful harvest and safety in the coming year. On the second day, children play games like “Weng Xina Guge,” while young men and women gather in festive attire to sing and dance to instruments like the mouth string, moon lute, and huqin, engaging in entertainment activities such as horse racing, swinging, wrestling, and arm wrestling. Middle-aged men visit each other to exchange New Year greetings, while women remain at home to entertain guests. On the third day, “Sending Ancestors Off,” people rise early to offer hot meals to send ancestral spirits back to their realm, providing money (dry food) for the journey, symbolizing oats poured into the livestock trough to feed the spirit horses. During this ritual, the male host prays for ancestral blessings for family safety, a bountiful harvest, and thriving livestock in the coming year.
31. Xinmi Festival新米节Xinmi Festival is a traditional festival of the Yi ethnic group in Eshan and Weishan, Yunnan. It is typically held after the autumn harvest on an auspicious day in October each year. During Xinmi Festival, daughters who have married and sons who have established their own families bring new rice and other gifts back to their parents to express gratitude for their upbringing and to share in the harvest’s bounty with them. This festival is usually observed privately by each family. While enjoying the new rice, people also wish for favorable weather and better crops in the coming year. In some places, friends are also invited to join the feast, and some prepare colored rice cakes made from new rice to distribute to relatives and neighbors.

32. Singing Ox Festival颂牛节

    Singing Ox Festival is a traditional festival of the Yi ethnic group in the northwestern mountainous regions of Yunnan. It is held annually on the day of the winter solstice. According to legend, this day marks the occasion when celestial oxen descended to serve humanity, thus activities are held to praise the oxen’s contributions. On this day, all households gather their working oxen onto the grassy field in front of Ox God Cliff. Twelve pine poles are erected on the field, adorned with various grains hung from red silk threads. At the center lies a large winnowing basket containing models of oxen made from potatoes (representing yellow cattle) and radishes (representing water buffaloes). These “oxen” have legs made of sorghum stalks or corn husks, eyes made of sorghum or corn kernels, wheat spikes for horns, and maize cakes and chopped oat stalks serve as their fodder. The festivities commence with an elder singer leading the way, as participants lead their oxen adorned with red silk around the winnowing basket, singing praises of the oxen’s contributions, commending those who diligently care for them, and celebrating those who have had good harvests in the past year. Finally, based on their performances, the elder singer rewards the “oxen” and “fodder” to their respective owners. The fodder is immediately used to feed the oxen, while the “oxen” are carried in colorful “ox sedan chairs” as everyone parades through villages and hamlets. The ox models are then placed as treasures in their respective household shrines.

    33.Mizhi Festival密枝节

    Mizhi Festival is a traditional festival of the Yi ethnic group in Guishan of Runan and Maitreya West Mountain in Yunnan Province, typically held around the 11th day of the twelfth lunar month. Each village has a dense forest called “Mizhi Forest”. During this festival, men from each village slaughter sheep and proceed to the sacred forest to worship the Mizhi deity, recite sacred scriptures, drive away epidemics, and pray for prosperity in both human and animal life, abundant harvests, and fertile crops. The sheep meat is distributed to households for further sacrificial offerings, and upon their return to the village, they chant “Hagou, Hagou” to warn those who do not abide by village rules or violate moral standards. The festival in Haiyi Village of Guishan District has distinctive characteristics. The festival schedule includes: Driving away evil spirits from the male Mizhi forest on the day of the winter solstice, performing sacrifices to the male Mizhi deity on the day of the Rat, driving away evil spirits from the female Mizhi forest on the day of the Tiger, and performing sacrifices to the female Mizhi deity on the day of the Rabbit. On the day of the Dog, there is hunting, and on the day of the Dog, villagers entertain each other by inviting guests.

    34.Lao Nian Festival 老年节

    Lao Nian Festival is a traditional festival of the Yi ethnic group in Shanta and Longjie areas of Weishan County, Yunnan, celebrated annually on New Year’s Eve. Before the festival, every household slaughters pigs and chickens, grinds tofu, makes noodles, brews white wine, and prepares festive foods. On the festival day, every household decorates with lanterns, door gods, couplets, and plants a tall pine tree with three or four branches in the center of the courtyard, known as “Heaven and Earth Pavilion.” A bundle of pine needles is tied to the trunk, and incense sticks are inserted into the pine needles. Below the tree, a table is set up with lamps representing the altar of Heaven and Earth, and offerings of pig heads and chickens are placed. Another pine tree, named “Mishi,” representing the stable deity, is planted on the rear wall of the house. Sacrifices are offered to the stable deity to pray for the prosperity of livestock. After worshiping the deities of Heaven, Earth, and the stable, ancestors are worshipped. In the evening, each family seals their doors with red paper, which is only opened on the second day of the lunar year when the young boys from other families come to “step on the door.” During the festival in Longjie, Yi people also spread pine needles inside and outside the hall. Yi people in Shanta bring their married daughters back home before the festival. At midnight, families gather for a reunion feast. The parents tell family stories and tales to their children throughout the night, known as “guarding the year.” Children aged five or six stand on the threshold to measure their growth rate.

    35.Yang Nian羊年

    Yang Nian is a traditional festival among the Yi ethnic group in Mouding, Yunnan. It is celebrated every Lunar New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, where local Yi people raise sheep for the New Year. In this region, every household raises sheep, and people hold sheep in high regard.

    On Lunar New Year’s Eve, couplests are pasted on the sheep pen, and the sheep are fed with a special New Year’s meal made from a mixture of sorghum, millet, wheat flour, and other grains. During New Year’s Eve, the elders sing ancient songs about the origin of sheep to the younger generation.

    On New Year’s Day, families bring food, set off firecrackers, and gather at the sheep pen to dine together with the sheep, feeding them their favorite tree leaves. After the Yang Nian festival, the sheep are driven to the hillsides for grazing on an auspicious day.

Overview

• Chinese Name:大理漾濞县火把节
• English Name: Torch Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Yangbi County, Dali
• Location: Yangbi County, Dali

The Torch Festival, celebrated by the Yi ethnic minority in Yangbi County, Dali Prefecture, is a vibrant and culturally rich event that showcases the traditions, values, and communal spirit of the Yi people. Celebrated annually on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, it holds significant cultural and agricultural significance.The Torch Festival in Yangbi County represents a crucial aspect of Yi cultural identity and community solidarity. It is a time for celebration, gratitude, and togetherness, allowing people to connect with their heritage and one another. This lively festival, filled with rituals, performances, and competitions, not only honors agricultural traditions but also serves as a vibrant expression of Yi culture and community spirit in modern times. Visitors to the festival can expect an engaging and enriching experience that offers a unique glimpse into the rich tapestry of Yi cultural heritage.

Origin and Background

The Torch Festival has its roots in ancient agricultural practices and animistic beliefs of the Yi people. Traditionally, it was a time for farmers to celebrate a bountiful harvest, offer thanks to deities and ancestors, and pray for good fortune and protection for the coming year. The festival’s name derives from the custom of lighting torches, which symbolizes the warding off of evil spirits and misfortune. Fire was historically believed to have purifying properties, signifying light, warmth, and protection.

The festival also reflects the Yi people’s strong cultural identity and sense of community. Over the years, it has grown beyond its agricultural origins to become a lively celebration that encompasses cultural activities, competitions, and rituals, allowing the community to express its heritage and foster social bonds.

Local Activities

The Torch Festival in Yangbi County is characterized by a series of colorful and engaging activities, each emphasizing the rich cultural traditions of the Yi ethnic minority:

1. Torch Lighting Ceremony: The festival is marked by the ceremonial lighting of giant torches made from bamboo and wood. Families and communities gather to participate in this event, with the procession of lit torches illuminating the night sky. The lighting of the torches symbolizes the dispelling of darkness and evil, bringing hope for a prosperous year ahead.
2. Cultural Performances: Traditional music and dance performances are central to the celebration. Expect to see lively demonstrations of Yi dance, often characterized by intricate footwork and colorful costumes. Performers showcase not just traditional dances but also songs that narrate stories of the Yi people, highlighting their history and culture.
3. Traditional Sports and Competitions: The festival includes a variety of traditional sports and competitive activities. Popular events may include horse racing, archery, and wrestling. These competitions invite local athletes to showcase their skills and strength, creating a lively atmosphere that fosters community pride and engagement.
4. Feasting and Shared Meals: Food plays a crucial role during the Torch Festival, with community feasts centered around traditional Yi dishes. Families prepare an array of foods such as roasted meats, rice dishes, and various local specialties. The act of sharing meals symbolizes community solidarity and reinforces social bonds.
5. Ritual Offerings: As part of the festival, Yi people participate in rituals to honor their ancestors and deities. Offerings of food, incense, and other valuable items are made at household altars or public shrines. This aspect reflects the community’s respect for their heritage and the belief in the protective powers of ancestors.
6. Community Dancing: In the evenings, locals engage in group dances, often forming circles or lines to dance together. The music is lively and rhythmic, encouraging participation from everyone in the community. This creates a sense of togetherness and joy, as people of all ages come together to celebrate.
7. Craft Exhibits and Marketplaces: The festival often features a marketplace where local artisans display and sell their crafts, including textiles, jewelry, and traditional instruments. This offers visitors a chance to appreciate the skills of Yi artisans and promotes the local economy.

Overview and Origin of the Festival

• Chinese Name:大理漾濞县鸡街歌会/彝族打歌会
• English Name: Dage Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Yangbi County, Dali
• Date: Every year on the nineteenth day of the third lunar month
• Location:大理州漾濞县鸡街乡新寨吉村/Xinzhai Village, Jiejie Township, Yangbi County, Dali Prefecture

The Dage Festival, also known as the “Big Song Festival,” is a significant cultural event celebrated by the Yi ethnic minority in Yangbi County, Dali Prefecture. This festival serves as an important occasion for the Yi people to express their cultural identity, celebrate their heritage, and engage in community bonding.

The Dage Festival is believed to have its roots in ancient Yi rituals and traditions, which were initially centered around agriculture, celebrating harvests, and honoring ancestors. The word “Dage” translates to “big song,” highlighting the festival’s emphasis on music and dance. The event typically falls on the 15th day of the sixth lunar month, aligning with the agricultural calendar and seasonal changes, allowing people to celebrate their farming achievements.

Local Customs

The Dage Festival is marked by various vibrant and lively customs, including:

1. Singing Competitions: One of the festival’s highlights is the singing competition where participants showcase their musical talents. Traditional Yi songs often focus on themes of love, nature, and daily life, and the competition fosters a spirit of camaraderie and friendly rivalry.
2. Dancing: Along with singing, traditional dances are performed, which often include energetic movements and colorful attire. Dance is a vital part of Yi culture, expressing joy and unity within the community.
3. Costumes: Participants dress in traditional Yi clothing, which is often adorned with intricate embroidery and vibrant colors. The attire varies among different Yi subgroups, showcasing the diversity within the community.
4. Feasting: The festival is also a time for communal feasting. Traditional Yi dishes, often made from locally sourced ingredients, are prepared and shared among attendees, emphasizing the importance of togetherness and sharing.
5. Rituals and Offerings: Some traditions may include rituals to honor ancestors and deities, ensuring a good harvest for the coming year. Offerings and prayers may be made at shrines or during community ceremonies.
6. Games and Competitions: In addition to singing and dancing, various games and traditional sports may take place, further enhancing the festive spirit and encouraging participation among all ages.

Basin Introduction

• Chinese Name: 大理永平县彝族二月八打歌节
• English Name: Eryueba or February 8th Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Yongping County, Dali
• Location: Yongping County, Dali Prefecture

The Eryueba Festival, also referred to as the Er Yue Ba Festival, is a vibrant cultural celebration observed by the Yi ethnic minority, particularly in regions like Yongping County. This festival, which typically takes place on the 8th day of the second lunar month, is deeply rooted in the agricultural traditions, mythology, and cultural practices of the Yi people. Here’s an overview of the Eryueba Festival, highlighting its significance, customs, and local activities.The Eryueba Festival is an essential celebration for the Yi ethnic minority in Yongping County, blending agricultural practices, spiritual beliefs, and cultural expressions. Through rituals, communal meals, music, dance, and various activities, the festival enriches the community’s cultural identity and strengthens social ties. It is a time of joy, reflection, and gratitude, marking the resilience and traditions of the Yi people as they embrace the arrival of spring and the agricultural season ahead.

Origins of the Eryueba Festival

The Eryueba Festival has its origins in ancient Yi agricultural rituals and is closely associated with the lunar calendar. It celebrates the arrival of spring, marking a new agricultural cycle and the start of the sowing season. Historically, the festival served as a way for the Yi people to express gratitude for a good harvest and to pray for a prosperous crop yield in the coming year.

The name “Eryueba” translates to “Eighth Day of the Second Month,” which indicates its timing on the lunar calendar. It is also linked to various mythological stories and legends that are integral to Yi culture, including tales of creation and the importance of nature.

Significance of the Festival

1. Agricultural Celebration: The Eryueba Festival is primarily an agricultural celebration that marks the beginning of the planting season. It emphasizes the Yi people’s connection to the land and their reliance on successful harvests for their livelihoods.
2. Cultural Identity: The festival provides an opportunity for the Yi people to express their rich cultural heritage through traditional rituals, music, dance, and clothing. It reinforces community bonds and cultural pride.
3. Spiritual Observance: The festival features spiritual elements, including rituals to honor ancestors, deities, and nature. This reflects the Yi people’s deep-rooted beliefs in animism and respect for the natural world.

Local Activities and Customs

The Eryueba Festival in Yongping County is characterized by a variety of activities and customs that reflect the traditions and values of the Yi community:

1. Ritual Offerings: The festival often begins with ceremonies where offerings are made to ancestors and nature spirits, accompanied by prayers for a good harvest. Rice, wine, and livestock (such as chickens or pigs) might be included in these offerings.
2. Traditional Music and Dance: Music and dance play a central role in the celebrations. Local Yi communities come together to perform traditional songs and dances, often wearing colorful ethnic clothing. These performances not only celebrate cultural heritage but also serve as a form of storytelling, passing down traditions through generations.
3. Culinary Traditions: Food is an essential part of the Eryueba Festival. Families prepare special dishes using locally sourced ingredients. Traditional Yi cuisine includes various meats, vegetables, and unique preparations such as “crossing the bridge noodles” and roasted meats. Sharing meals among friends and family fosters community spirit.
4. Games and Competitions: The festival may include traditional games and competitions, such as archery, tug-of-war, and other sports that encourage community participation and friendly rivalry.
5. Market Activities: In some villages, local markets may pop up during the festival, where vendors sell handmade crafts, traditional clothing, and local agricultural products. This creates a lively atmosphere and supports local economies.
6. Fireworks and Celebrations: Fireworks are often a part of the festivities, symbolizing joy and the warding off of evil spirits. The nights may be filled with the sounds of celebration, laughter, and community bonding.
7. Visiting Ancestor Graves: Some families may take the time to visit the graves of their ancestors, paying respects and honoring their memory as part of the festival’s spiritual observance.

Chinese Name:彝族祭龙节
English Name: Dragon Worship (Jilong) Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority

Chinese Name: 大姚县彝族火把节
English Name: Torch Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Dayao County, Chuxiong
Location:

Chinese Name:彝族密枝节/祭密枝
English Name: Mizhi Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority

密枝节也叫“祭密枝”。彝族民间传统节日。密枝节 流行于滇南彝族地区。路南的撒尼人一般在农历十一月的头一个属鼠日到属马日举行，历时七天。节日前一天，民间祭祀神职人员要把密林中的祭祀场地打扫干净，在神树下布置好神坛和神门。节日的第一天，天刚亮，祭祀人员在总管见集中，然后相司扛一根竹竿在前面领路，毕摩摇着神铃跟在其后，大队人员携带家什、食物，赶着牲畜走在最后。进入密林中的祭祀场地后，人们开始忙碌起来，有的杀牲，有的烧火做饭……饭前举行祭神仪式，祭祀以村寨为单位，人们跪在神坛前，由毕摩念经祈求神灵保佑寨子里的人平安。祭拜神灵后，人们要吃祭饭。下午，在林中摔跤娱神。晚饭后，与神灵道别而归。在七天的祭祀活动中，人们不下地干活，男子可以上山打猎，妇女在家做针线活。第一天的祭祀最隆重。

习俗
彝族密枝节传统祭日将至时，石林彝族撒尼人村寨的男性村民就相聚在一起，推举出负责筹办密枝节的“密枝翁”，挑选出符合标准的男性参加祭神仪式。祭密枝神必有白色的绵羊或山羊，其次是白猪白鸡等色彩洁白的牲灵。规定的日子一到，准备充分的男性村民集聚到密枝林边，按密枝翁的分工，杀羊宰鸡，烧火做饭，开始祭奠活动。毕摩按古规带着挑选出来的男性村民进入密枝林，来到林中选定的神树下，把上一年放在树下的密枝神虔诚地抬进垫着青松毛的箩筐中，举行祭奠仪式后，抬到毕摩家中，用清水洗净，扎上新的彩色丝线，放在毕摩家中过夜，第二天又抬回林中神树下。
由于石林地区山多林多，居住地不同，对密枝神的说法也不相同。有的村寨说：两块象人形的石头代表男女两位密枝神，男的叫“普帕”，女的叫“普玛”，他们共同保护着全村人畜的平安；有的则说：密枝神是一位聪明美丽的姑娘，叫“密枝斯玛”。当天空突降大冰雹时，聪明的密枝斯玛就赶快把放牧的牛羊赶进密林，为撒尼人留下了牛羊。祭密枝是为了感谢密枝斯玛和密林；也有的说，密枝神是白狐狸，是一个追求婚姻自主而死的姑娘变成的。她住在密林中独居，不喜欢人畜打搅她平静的生活。无论哪一种解释，都认为密枝神住在密枝林中，保护着全村的平安。
密枝节祭神仪式后，抬出由男性动手做好的饭菜，由密枝翁平均分给在场的男人。男子汉们吃着自己动手做的饭菜，或说玩笑，或发泄心中的怨气。 

特点
密枝节不允许女人参加
撒尼人的密枝节为什么不准许女性参加？有学者认为这是母系社会留下的痕迹。母系社会男性社会地位低下，男子汉们为表示自己存在的价值，就采取密林结社的方式，发泄内心的不满，求得情绪的平衡。过了密枝节回到现实生活中的男性，不在妇女面前说粗话脏话。
密枝节期间，毕摩带着男人们在村中边走边大声喊话，一问一答，批评村民中不守规、品德不好的人和事，起到了扶正压邪的作用，使彝家的良好民族风俗代代相传。
密枝节还组织撵山活动。全村男性分成几路，手持木棒火药枪，喊着叫着，冲向山林，向野兽发起攻击。撵山的战利品集中后，由密枝翁平均分割到个人。
男人过密枝节，妇女们在家中绣花做针线活，一般不出门出村，也不下地干活。

https://baike.baidu.com/item/密枝节/4124191?fr=aladdin

Overview 

• Chinese Name:楚雄彝族彝族火把节
• English Name: The Torch Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Chuxiong

The Torch Festival is a significant traditional celebration for the Yi ethnic minority. This vibrant festival is typically celebrated on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month, and it signifies the Yi people’s agricultural culture, showcasing their customs, traditions, and communal spirit.

Origins and Significance

The Torch Festival has its roots in ancient agricultural practices and is associated with the Yi people’s reverence for fire and their agricultural deities. Originally, it was a time for farmers to pray for a good harvest. The festival has evolved into a broader celebration of Yi culture, featuring various festivities that strengthen community bonds.

Main Activities

1. Torch Lighting and Procession: The central feature of the festival involves lighting large torches made of wood and straw. These torches are often decorated and symbolize the dispelling of evil spirits, as well as bringing light and prosperity to the community. People carry the torches through the streets and fields in joyous processions.
2. Rituals and Offerings: People perform rituals to honor the earth and sky, praying for a good harvest and protection from disasters. Offerings may be made to deities, and traditional sacrifices can occur.
3. Cultural Performances: The festival is a showcase for Yi cultural heritage, including traditional music, dance, and costumes. Performances often feature singing of folk songs and traditional dances, including the lively “Jumping Dance,” which is characterized by energetic movements and vibrant expressions.
4. Competitions and Games: Various competitions are held, including sports contests, archery, and wrestling. These activities not only entertain but also foster a sense of unity and competition among different villages and communities.
5. Feasting: Community feasts are an essential part of the celebration, where people gather to enjoy traditional Yi foods, including grilled meats and local specialties. This communal dining enhances social ties and reinforces cultural traditions.

Cultural Significance

The Torch Festival is more than just a celebration; it is a vital expression of the Yi people’s identity, history, and traditions. It reinforces a sense of community and continuity, allowing younger generations to learn about their cultural heritage while also promoting social cohesion. Additionally, it serves as an opportunity for the Yi people to interact with other ethnic groups, fostering a spirit of multiculturalism and mutual respect.

The Torch Festival in Chuxiong, with its rich array of activities and deep cultural meanings, remains a vibrant and essential part of the Yi ethnic minority’s identity and cultural life.

Brief Introduction

The Torch Festival or Fire Festival ( 火把节) is one of the main holidays of the Yi ethnic people in southwest China, and is also celebrated by other ethnic groups of the region. It is celebrated on the 24th or 25th day of the sixth month of the Yi ethnic calendar, corresponding to August in the Gregorian calendar. It commemorates the legendary wrestler Atilabia, who drove away a plague of locusts using torches made from pine trees. Since 1993, the government of the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture(凉山彝族自治州) in Sichuan(四川) has sponsored a modernised celebration of the festival, featuring wrestling, horse racing, dance shows, and a beauty contest. Different ethnic groups set the festival at different time

Origin

The original Torch Festival, according to some scholars, was based on a calendar used by Bai and Yi ethnic groups in ancient times. The calendar included 10 months, 36 days in a month, and two Star Returning Festivals in winter and summer respectively. The two Star Returning Festivals were both considered the New Year, and the one in summer was called the Torch Festival as people often lighted a torch on that day. There are also many other legends about the origin of the Torch Festival, yet all of them have the purpose of offering sacrifice to duties and dispelling ghosts, as a wish for a harvest.

Traditions and Custom of Torch Festival in Each Dynasty

In the Torch Festival, every family needs to light a torch and hold the torch to illuminate the corners in the room and walk around the fields. Some villagers even have torch parade so as to drive away all bad lucks and pray for a harvest. The custom of holding a torch to shed light on tree and field was found in Han people(汉族) in Southern Song dynasty(南宋). In Ming(明朝) and Qing(清朝) dynasties, people in Zhejiang(浙江省) and Jiangsu(江苏省) provinces had the custom as well. The most attractive activity is the Bonfire Party(篝火晚会). People play music instruments like yusheng (乐声), yueqin (月琴) and sanxian/三弦 (three stringed plucked instrument), singing and dancing for a whole night.
Chinese Version: http://www.ynich.cn/view-ml-11110-1407.html

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Festivals of Yi Ethnic Minority

All Festivals List of Yi Ethnic Minority

The Yi ethnic group is one of the major ethnic minorities in southwestern China, with a rich and ancient history. They primarily reside in Yunnan, Sichuan, Guizhou provinces, and...

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Dage Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Yangbi County, Dali

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Eryueba Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Yongping County, Dali

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Tiaogong Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Funing County, Wenshan

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Dragon Worship (Jilong) Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority

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Torch Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Dayao County, Chuxiong

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• Festivals of Yi Ethnic Minority

Mizhi Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority

Chinese Name:彝族密枝节/祭密枝 English Name: Mizhi Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority 密枝节也叫“祭密枝”。彝族民间传统节日。密枝节 流行于滇南彝族地区。路南的撒尼人一般在农历十一月的头一个属鼠日到属马日举行，历时七天。节日前一天，民间祭祀神职人员要把密林中的祭祀场地打扫干净，在神树下布置好神坛和神门。节日的第一天，天刚亮，祭祀人员在总管见集中，然后相司扛一根竹竿在前面领路，毕摩摇着神铃跟在其后，大队人员携带家什、 ...

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• Dali
• Festivals of Yi Ethnic Minority
• Kunming
• Midu County
• Shilin County
• Yi Ethnic Minority

Torch Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Chuxiong

Overview  Chinese Name:楚雄彝族彝族火把节 English Name: The Torch Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Chuxiong The Torch Festival is a significant traditional celebration for the Yi ethnic minority. This vibrant...

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• Chuxiong
• Festivals of Yi Ethnic Minority

Torch Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority

Brief Introduction The Torch Festival or Fire Festival ( 火把节) is one of the main holidays of the Yi ethnic people in southwest China, and is also celebrated by other ethnic groups of the region. It...

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• Chuxiong
• Dali
• Festivals of Yi Ethnic Minority
• Kunming
• Lijiang
• Lincang
• Yi Ethnic Minority
• Yunnan Festivals in July