Aizuo Aisha Song and Dance Art Festival of Azhe Ethnic People in Mile City, Honghe
Chinese Name: 弥勒市彝族爱佐与爱莎歌舞艺术节
English Name: Aizuo Aisha Song and Dance Art Festival in Mile City, Honghe
Location: 弥勒市巡检司镇高甸村
The Aizuo Aisha Song and Dance Art Festival in Gaodian Village, Xunjian Town, Mile City is essentially the Yi Torch Festival, which typically takes place on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month. This festival is a showcase of intangible cultural heritage and was held at the “Aizuo Aisha” Cultural Square, organized by the Gaodian Village Committee.
Festival Themes and Activities
The event’s theme focuses on promoting the excellent culture of the Yi ethnic group, building the Aizuo Aisha cultural brand, praising Aizuo Aisha, and constructing a harmonious and beautiful Yi community. Key activities included:
- The unveiling ceremony of the Yi Zhe Cultural Gaodian Learning Hall
- The opening ceremony of the “Aizuo Aisha” Song and Dance Art Festival
- The Yi Torch Festival Bimo Blessing Ceremony
- Yi Zhe Song and Dance performances
- The Yi Zhe Intangible Cultural Heritage Exhibition
Performances and Cultural Exchange
Every year, various art groups and ethnic artists from places such as Kaiyuan City, Huaning County, Xisan Town, Xiyi Town, Wushan Township, and Xunjian participate in the festival, providing the audience with a grand ethnic song and dance feast.
The “Aizuo and Aisha” Song and Dance Art Festival features spectacular performances from both the Axi and Ache ethnic groups, highlighting the harmonious integration and exchange of their cultures. Notable performances include:
- The lively “Axi Dancing Under the Moon”
- The creative presentation of the intangible heritage “Ache Women Braiding and Embroidering Horse Tails with Flowers”
Additionally, the joint performance titled “Coming Back with Heart” by eight village committees in Xunjian Town symbolizes the harmonious coexistence of the Ache and Han ethnic groups in Gaodian Town, reflecting their shared aspiration to build a prosperous and beautiful society.
