Dragon Lantern (Longdenghui) Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Nanjian County, Dali

Chinese Name:南涧彝族龙灯会
English Name: Dragon Lantern (Longdenghui) Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Nanjian County, Dali

The Lantern Festival on the ninth day of the first lunar month is an ancient traditional folk cultural event. This day marks the annual Dragon Lantern Festival in Nanjian, where people can enjoy vibrant dragon lantern performances by various ethnic communities. In the Nanjian area, performances such as dragon dances and lion dances have been popular among the folk since the Tang Dynasty, with people celebrating through various festive expressions like “Dragon and Lion Greetings” and “Lantern Blessings.” Numerous local legends about dragons exist, including tales of “Zha Family’s Ancestor Riding a White Dragon Horse,” “Little Black Dragon,” “Mother Pig Dragon,” and “Fire Dragon.”

Overview

The ninth day of the first lunar month is the busiest day of the year in Nanjian. Early in the morning, tourists from all directions flock to the streets, each selecting the best spot to watch the dragon lantern performances. The streets are packed with people, creating a bustling atmosphere. By noon, the dragon lantern performance teams gather and enter the venue. Most of these teams are self-organized by local farmers, while some are arranged by elderly associations from various towns and streets. This event is purely a cultural activity for self-entertainment. Among the large performing teams, there are elderly individuals with white hair, energetic young men and women, and lively children. The oldest participants are in their sixties or seventies, while the youngest are around eight or nine years old.

When the host announces the start of the dragon lantern performances, the cheerful teams in festive attire begin to perform along the spacious streets. First, there is a neatly organized motorcycle leading team, followed by colorful flag teams, powerful drum and music bands, the Daxieshan folk song team dressed in sheepskin, and the “Ailao Heroes” knife performance team, who perform boldly while wielding large knives. Dozens of performing teams holding name signs continuously bring the audience to their feet, celebrating with songs, dances, and vibrant cheers. The air is filled with the sounds of singing, string instruments, flutes, applause, cheers, and drums, creating a thunderous chorus that echoes through the sky. The city of Nanjian transforms into a sea of song and a world of dance, leaving attendees enchanted and reluctant to leave.

Activities

The Lantern Festival on the ninth day of the first lunar month is the liveliest day for the people of Nanjian. This festival has deep-rooted traditions, dating back to the Tang Dynasty, and is believed to celebrate the birthday of the Jade Emperor, commonly referred to as “Heaven’s Birthday Celebration.” On this day, people pay homage to the Jade Emperor, praying for favorable weather, abundant harvests, thriving livestock, and national stability. They express their reverence and festive spirit through music and dragon lantern dances.

In the morning, people don festive attire and joyfully gather in Nanjian County, many dancing with dragons, carrying lanterns, and performing flower lantern dances to celebrate the New Year. At noon, the sounds of firecrackers accompany the rhythms of drums, marking the grand opening of the Lantern Festival performance. The streets are bustling with crowds and vehicles, as participants and guests from Dali, Pu’er, Lincang, Chuxiong, and beyond join in the festivities. Over 60 dragon lantern teams from various towns participate in the parade, showcasing dragon dances, lion dances, flower lantern songs, yangge dances, and knife performances, all accompanied by the sounds of firecrackers and lively movements.

As the day progresses, the performances at the county’s National Middle School commence at 1:30 PM. Colorful ribbons fly through the air, as magnificent dragons twist and soar, and powerful lions dance energetically, showcasing the pride and spirit of the people. Dressed in their festive best, performers sing and dance, expressing the voices of the Nanjian people and their pride in a prosperous life. Many attendees comment on how the party policies have improved their lives, and on this day, they put aside their farming tasks to join in the Dragon Lantern Festival, confident that their lives will continue to improve.

The rich and colorful dragon lantern performances attract thousands of locals and tourists. The powerful beats of drums, the laughter of the audience, applause, and smiling faces blend into a joyful atmosphere, immersing everyone in the joy of the festival. The performers’ exciting acts showcase the unique ethnic culture of Nanjian, celebrating the joy of harvest and expressing confidence in the future, allowing everyone to feel the charm of Nanjian’s folk culture and rich ethnic traditions.

Highlights of the Performance

Among the dragon lantern performances, notable attractions include the high platforms for “Bao Gong Judging Cases,” “Eight Immortals Crossing the Sea,” and the peculiar dragon whose head and tail are separated. Legend has it that this dragon was punished by Prime Minister Wei Zheng during the Tang Dynasty, resulting in its head being severed. Other impressive performances feature “Phoenix Leading Qilin,” “Golden Monkey Climbing Peach,” “Lion Rolling the Embroidered Ball,” and “Two Dragons Competing for Treasure,” with the performances continuing until around 5 PM.

The origins of the Nanjian Lantern Festival trace back to the belief that the ninth day of the first lunar month is the birthday of the Jade Emperor. Locals call it “Heaven’s Birthday Celebration,” during which people pay homage to the Jade Emperor, praying for a year of “favorable weather,” “abundant harvests,” and “national stability.” In the past, before the Lantern Festival began each year, attendees would gather for worship at the Guansheng Temple (Guanyin Temple), and after playing the music for the “Jade Emperor’s Mandate,” the parade would proceed through the streets, concluding at the Yuhuang Pavilion on Lumo Mountain.

As time has passed, these legends and customs have evolved into today’s Lantern Festival on the ninth day of the first lunar month.