Huajie Festival of Hongyi Ethnic People in Wuding County, Chuxiong

Chinese Name:武定县红彝族正月十五日赶花街

English Name: Huajie Festival of Hongyi Ethnic People in Wuding County, Chuxiong

Location:武定县猫街镇

The Huajie Festival (花街节) is celebrated on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year (元宵节) in Wuding County (武定县), where the tradition of “Celebrating Lantern Festival in Maojie Street” (正月十五赶猫街) has been held for over 11 years. This festive event has become an essential part of the local culture, attracting thousands of visitors each year to Maojie Town (猫街镇) for an exuberant celebration filled with music, dance, and vibrant festivities.

1. Festival Overview

Name:

Huajie Festival (花街节), also known as “Celebrating Lantern Festival in Maojie Street” (正月十五赶猫街).

Date:

Celebrated annually on the 15th day of the first lunar month (元宵节), in 2025, the festival will take place on February 12th.

Location:

Maojie Town (猫街镇), Wuding County (武定县), Chuxiong (楚雄), Yunnan Province (云南省), China.

Participating Ethnic Groups:

The festival is primarily celebrated by the Hongyi (红彝族) people, specifically the Nasu Pojie branch (纳苏颇支系), with participation from surrounding ethnic groups.

2. Core Activities

Fire Ritual and Blessings Ceremony:

The festival begins with a traditional fire ritual (祭火祈福仪式), where the Bimo (毕摩) (a traditional priest) leads the prayers and offerings, asking for good weather, abundant harvests, and the well-being of livestock.

Thousand-Person Diejia Dance (千人跌脚会):

In a captivating display, thousands of people gather to dance the traditional Diejia dance (跌脚舞), with energetic rhythms including songs such as “Eight-legged Flower Dance” (八脚穿花) and “Meeting Song” (相会调).

The dance is accompanied by traditional music played on the flute (笛子) and Sanxian (小三弦), with powerful, rough, and enthusiastic steps. The whole town participates in this vibrant event, creating a festive atmosphere that fills the air with excitement.

Cultural Performances:

Various artistic performances (文艺展演) take place, including traditional Yi ethnic dance and songs, such as “Horsetail Flower Blooms to Welcome Guests” (马缨花开迎客来) and “Moon Guitar Sound” (月琴声声).

The performances also include stunning face-changing (变脸) and fire-breathing (喷火) tricks from Sichuan Opera (川剧).

Folk Competitions:

Traditional competitions like cockfighting (斗鸡) and goat fighting (斗羊) take place, with winners receiving cash prizes ranging from 400-600 RMB.

A highly anticipated tug-of-war (拔河比赛) also takes place, with team prizes up to 1,000 RMB.

3. Cultural Features

Hongyi Ethnic Tradition:

The Hongyi people, particularly the Nasu Pojie branch, are known for their distinctive red clothing (红彝族), and their traditional songs and dances preserve legends of the Nanzhao migration (南诏迁徙传说).

The festival highlights Yi ethnic music, such as Yi liquor songs (彝族酒歌), and traditional dances like the Left-Foot Dance (左脚舞), both of which are intangible cultural heritage (非物质文化遗产).

Modern Integration:

The festival also includes a trade fair (商品展销会) showcasing local products, as well as tourism exchange events (旅游交流会), enhancing the overall experience for visitors.

4. Practical Information

Transportation:

From Kunming (昆明) to Maojie Town (猫街镇): The journey by car takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Suggested Experiences:

Participate in the Bonfire Night (篝火晚会) and enjoy traditional Yi dishes like Yi-style smoked meat (彝家腊肉) and glutinous rice cakes (糯米粑粑).

Explore the vibrant markets and enjoy the cultural exchanges and unique local handicrafts.

5. Festival Highlights

The festival is the focal point of the local community, drawing visitors from various parts of Yunnan (云南), and beyond.

Commercial and Cultural Opportunities:

Vendors set up stalls throughout Maojie Town (猫街镇), offering a wide variety of goods, including handmade ethnic costumes (民族手工刺绣服饰), locally raised meats such as beef, lamb, and chicken, as well as local honey and wild mushrooms (蜂蜜、野生菌).

The atmosphere is a mixture of cheerful celebration and vibrant commerce, making it a perfect way for visitors to experience the authentic Yi culture (彝族文化).

Public Participation:

The festival provides a unique opportunity for people to experience a traditional Yi ethnic (彝族) celebration. From the community dances to the lively market atmosphere, it’s a cultural immersion that you won’t forget.

Attendance and Crowds:

The event attracts up to 30,000 people (次) on peak days, making it one of the largest traditional cultural festivals in the region, and a must-do for those wanting an immersive cultural experience in Yunnan (云南).

Festival Dates for 2025:

Lunar New Year 15th Day: February 12th, 2025.

Upcoming Special Events:

Yi Traditional Fire Ritual and Blessing Ceremony (彝族祭火祈福仪式).

Thousand-Person Diejia Dance (千人跌脚会) and Traditional Yi Sports (彝族民俗竞技).

This festival is an excellent way for tourists to enjoy the lively and rich Yi ethnic culture (彝族文化), take part in the local customs, and immerse themselves in the community life of Maojie Town (猫街镇). It’s an unforgettable experience for those seeking to explore the cultural heart of Wuding County (武定县) in Chuxiong (楚雄).