Kuzhazha Festival of Hani Ethnic Minority in Honghe County, Honghe Prefecture
Basic Introduction
- Chinese Name: 红河县哈尼族苦扎扎节/磨秋节/磨秋文化旅游节
- English Name: Kuzhazha Festival of Hani Ethnic Minority in Honghe County, Honghe Prefecture
- Location: Gewu Village of Leyu Town in Honghe County, Honghe Prefecture
Kuzhazha Festival is held in Gewu Village of Leyu Town in Honghe County, Honghe Prefecture.
The Moqiu Festival of the Honghe Hani people, also known as “Kuzhazha,” is the Hani ethnic group’s traditional festival second only to the October Year Festival. It is a celebration combining the local realities of the Hani people, held after the completion of farming activities to celebrate the successful harvest, pray for peace and auspiciousness, and wish for an abundance of crops.
Festival Culture
Honghe County is located in Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, and is known as a “Hometown of Overseas Chinese.” It is a popular tourist destination in Yunnan, renowned for its spectacular Hani terraced fields, unique ethnic customs, and rich folk culture. The Moqiu Festival of the Honghe Hani people, also known as “Kuzhazha,” is the Hani ethnic group’s traditional festival second only to the October Year Festival. It is a time for the Hani people to celebrate the successful conclusion of farming activities, pray for peace and good fortune, and hope for an abundant harvest.
Festival Activities
During the festival, a grand welcoming event will take place in the ancient city of Mabang in Honghe County. Visitors can enjoy tasting Hani specialties at the long street banquet while watching traditional song and dance performances. They will also have the opportunity to participate in a lively bonfire party. At the renowned Samaba Terraced Fields scenic area, which is known as the “World’s First” rice terrace, visitors can take part in and watch the most distinctive grinding autumn competitions of the Hani people.
Festival Origin
Since Honghe County successfully hosted the first “Samaba Cup” bicycle race and Hani Moqiu Cultural Tourism Festival in 2013, this year marks the third edition of the event. It is reported that this year’s activities incorporate traditional Hani songs and dances, vividly showcasing the unique ethnic charm. The festival blends the magnificent natural scenery of Honghe, the traditional dietary culture of the Hani people, and their traditional celebrations to offer a memorable “May Day” journey for tourists and racers in Honghe.