Mengla County Festivals and Events

Mengla county is one of the counties where many ethnic minorities live together. These 26 ethnic minorities has created splendid ethnic culture and festivals. The main festivals in Mengla County are The Water Splashing Festival of Dai People, “Gatangpa” Festival of Aini People(a branch of Hani), Panwang Festival of Yao, etc.

1.The Water Splashing Festival

In Xishuangbanna, the Water Sprinkle Festival, is an important festivity. This is the day when the Dai-minority celebrate New Year. It is the Dai people's ritual of bestowing blessings on others.

2. Closing-door Festival & Opening-door Festival(Dai Ethnic Minority)

This is more a fast than a festival, since activities of festival are closely related to Buddhism and daily life. There will be Theravada Buddhism ceremonies at quite frequent intervals in the village, normally every 7 days.

3. “Gatangpa” Festival

“Gatangpa” Festival is held during lunar January 1st to January 4th.  It’s a festival of Hani who commemorate the festival by making tsampas, holding memorial ceremony for God and preparing a feast. 

4. Panwang Festival

In Mengla, the Panwang Festival was held in every township where the Yao people dwell in the past years. During this year’s festival, besides performances of folk songs and dances, a commodity fair was also held.