Torch Festival of Mosuo Ethnic People in Ninglang County, Lijiang

The Torch Festival (火把节) is one of the most significant and vibrant festivals celebrated by the Mosuo People (摩梭族) in Ninglang County (宁蒗县), Lijiang (丽江), located near Lugu Lake (泸沽湖). It is a festival marked by traditional customs, folk performances, and communal rituals. The Torch Festival is celebrated alongside the Yi People’s Torch Festival (彝族火把节), creating a colorful and culturally rich atmosphere.

Festival Dates and Location

Main Venue

• Location: Ninglang Yi Autonomous County (宁蒗彝族自治县), near Lugu Lake (泸沽湖), Lijiang (丽江), Yunnan Province (云南省)

Key Dates

• 2025 Dates: July 18th (Opening Ceremony) to July 25th

• The festival coincides with the Yi People’s Torch Festival (彝族火把节).

Mosuo-specific Festival Activities

Jia Cuo Dance Celebration

The Jia Cuo Dance (甲搓舞) is a National Intangible Cultural Heritage dance. During the festival, the Mosuo People (摩梭族) wear traditional costumes and gather around the bonfire to dance hand-in-hand in a joyful celebration. Visitors are welcome to join in this lively and communal activity.

Pig Trough Boat Blessing Ceremony

The Pig Trough Boat Blessing Ceremony (猪槽船祈福) involves Mosuo people paddling traditional boats on Lugu Lake (泸沽湖) as part of a spiritual ritual. They scatter buckwheat flower petals (苦荞爆花) in the water as offerings to the lake god, following the ceremonies of the Daba Religion (达巴教).

Collective Wedding Ceremony

On July 14th, a collective wedding ceremony (集体婚礼) is held by Lugu Lake (泸沽湖) to showcase the Mosuo’s walking marriage culture (走婚文化) and the results of their modern marriage reforms. This event offers insight into the unique matrilineal traditions of the Mosuo (摩梭) people.

Celebrations with Other Ethnic Groups

Torch Parade

On July 18th evening, Mosuo people (摩梭族) join their neighbors from the Yi People (彝族), Pumi People (普米族), and other local ethnic groups in lighting torches and creating a grand “fire dragon” (火龙) procession. This symbolic event represents unity and the power of fire to bring light and purification.

Cultural Evening Performance

On July 17th, Ninglang County (宁蒗县) hosts a cultural evening (文艺晚会) featuring Mosuo songs (摩梭民歌), dances, and other artistic performances, celebrating the rich heritage of the Mosuo people (摩梭族).

Cultural Significance

Drive Away Evil and Seek Blessings

The torch symbolizes purification and light. It plays a key role in the Mosuo people’s natural worship traditions, believed to drive away evil spirits and bring prosperity and protection to the community.

Integration of Culture and Tourism

The Torch Festival (火把节) also serves as a platform to promote Mosuo culture (摩梭文化) through activities like the Poetry Season (诗歌季) from July 15th to 17th and a Food Exhibition and Sale (美食展销). These activities highlight the Mosuo’s vibrant traditions, unique cuisine, and cultural heritage.

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit

• Festival Dates: July 18th to July 25th, 2025

• Best Experience: Join in the Torch Parade, participate in the Jia Cuo Dance, and explore the ceremonies around Lugu Lake (泸沽湖).

Things to Keep in Mind

• The Mosuo people (摩梭族) hold the Torch Festival with deep spiritual significance, and participation in rituals should be respectful.

• It’s a great opportunity to engage with the Mosuo people’s culture (摩梭文化) and explore Lijiang (丽江) and Ninglang County (宁蒗县).

The Torch Festival offers an exciting and culturally immersive experience, celebrating the ancient traditions, community spirit, and natural reverence of the Mosuo people (摩梭族). It is a remarkable occasion for travelers to learn about the unique matrilineal culture and enjoy the vibrant celebrations of this ethnic group.