Preparations Before the Festival

Festival Activities

Ancestral Worship Ceremony

Traditional Cuisine

Sports and Cultural Activities

Social Activities

Significance of the Festival

Chinese version please go to:
http://www.ynnl.gov.cn/newsshow.asp?id=17478

Basic Introduction

Chinese Name:宁蒗县彝族火把节
English Name: Torch Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Ninglang County, Lijiang
Location: Ninglang County, Lijiang

The Torch Festival is a symbol of Yi culture, a celebration of the Yi New Year, and the most important and grandest festival in Yi tradition. It has deep cultural significance and is renowned both domestically and internationally, often referred to as the “Carnival of the East.”

The Yi Torch Festival in Ninglang County is a vibrant and significant celebration for the Yi ethnic group. Celebrated annually, this festival usually takes place in the summer and marks the start of the new harvest season.

During the festival, local communities come together to celebrate with a variety of activities that showcase Yi culture, including traditional music, dance performances, and theatrical plays. The highlight of the event is the lighting of large torches, which are made from local materials, symbolizing the removal of darkness and the welcoming of light and prosperity.

In addition to the festive atmosphere, delicious local foods are enjoyed, and various games and competitions, such as traditional wrestling and archery, are organized. The Yi Torch Festival not only serves as a time for celebration but also strengthens community bonds and promotes cultural heritage, making it an essential event for the Yi people in Ninglang County. This festival has gained recognition far beyond its local roots, drawing visitors from all over who come to witness the rich traditions and lively spirit of the Yi culture.

Activities

The Yi Torch Festival in Ninglang County is a spectacular event filled with a variety of activities that celebrate Yi culture and traditions. Here are some of the key activities typically featured during the festival:

1. Torch Lighting Ceremony: The festival kicks off with the lighting of large torches, which are made from local materials. This ritual symbolizes the warding off of evil spirits and the welcoming of blessings and prosperity.
2. Traditional Music and Dance: Throughout the festival, there are numerous performances showcasing traditional Yi music and dance. These performances often include vibrant costumes, rhythmic drumming, and lively choreography, allowing participants to express their cultural heritage.
3. Cultural Competitions: Various competitions are held during the festival, such as traditional wrestling, archery, and horse racing. These events not only entertain but also reflect the skills and strength of the Yi people.
4. Food Festivals: Visitors and locals enjoy an array of delicious Yi cuisine during the festival. Traditional dishes, often made with local ingredients, are served, providing a taste of the region’s culinary heritage.
5. Folk Games: The festival features traditional folk games that engage community members and visitors alike. Activities may include tug-of-war, sack races, and other playful competitions that promote camaraderie and fun.
6. Cultural Exhibitions: The festival often includes exhibitions showcasing Yi handicrafts, art, and traditional clothing. This allows visitors to immerse themselves in the rich cultural history of the Yi people.

Overview

Chinese Name: 景东县彝族火把节
English Name: Torch Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Jingdong County, Puer
Location: Jingdong County, Puer

The Torch Festival is one of the most significant and vibrant traditional celebrations for the Yi ethnic minority in Jingdong County, Pu’er. This annual festival, usually held in the summer, is celebrated with great enthusiasm and is deeply rooted in the Yi culture, embodying their rich traditions, agricultural practices, and community spirit.

The Torch Festival in Jingdong County is more than just a celebration; it is a vital expression of the Yi people’s cultural identity and a means of preserving their traditions. Through various activities, performances, and communal gatherings, the festival reflects the vibrant spirit of the Yi ethnic minority and their deep connection to their cultural heritage and agricultural practices. Visitors to the festival often find it to be a colorful and enriching experience, providing insight into the traditions and values of the Yi people.

 Features of the Torch Festival:

1. Cultural Significance: The Torch Festival symbolizes the end of the harvest season and the beginning of new agricultural activities. It is also a time to honor ancestors and invoke blessings for good fortune, health, and prosperity in the coming year.
2. Lighting of the Torches: The festival is named after the prominent feature of lighting torches. Communities gather to light large bonfires and torches made from tree branches and other materials. This act usually takes place at sunset and serves as a symbol of driving away evil spirits and bringing good luck.
3. Traditional Performances: The festival is characterized by various cultural performances, including traditional dances, songs, and music. Local artists often perform traditional Yi dances, showcasing intricate movements and colorful costumes, which reflect the diverse cultural heritage of the Yi people.
4. Competitions and Games: The Torch Festival includes various competitions that highlight the skills and talents of the community. These may include archery contests, tug-of-war, and traditional sports, fostering a spirit of friendly rivalry and community bonding.
5. Feasting and Sharing: Food plays a central role during the celebrations. Families and communities come together to prepare and share traditional dishes, often featuring rice, meat, vegetables, and local specialties. It is a time for socializing and strengthening communal ties.
6. Cultural Crafts and Exhibitions: Some festivals may feature exhibitions of Yi arts and crafts, showcasing traditional weaving, embroidery, and other handicrafts. This aspect of the festival helps to preserve cultural heritage and educate younger generations about their roots.
7. Spiritual Rituals: Various spiritual rituals may be performed to honor ancestors and seek blessings for a bountiful harvest. These rituals can include offerings and prayers led by local shamans or elders.
8. Community Unity: The Torch Festival is a vital occasion for the Yi community, as it reinforces cultural identity and solidarity among its members. The collaborative nature of the festival fosters a sense of belonging and collective pride.

Chinese Name: 景谷县彝族火把节
English Name: Torch Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Jinggu County, Puer
Location: Jinggu County, Puer
The Torch Festival is a vibrant and culturally significant event celebrated by the Yi ethnic minority in Jinggu County, located in Pu’er City, Yunnan Province, China. This annual festival typically occurs in July and marks an important occasion for the Yi people, embodying their rich cultural heritage, agricultural practices, and community spirit. The Torch Festival in Jinggu County is not just a celebration of agricultural cycles; it is a profound expression of the Yi ethnic minority’s identity, traditions, and communal spirit. With its colorful festivities, rituals, and communal involvement, the Torch Festival offers a rich experience that highlights the cultural heritage of the Yi people, drawing both locals and tourists to partake in the merriment and cultural exchange.

 Features of the Torch Festival:

1. Cultural and Historical Significance: The Torch Festival is rooted in ancient customs and is traditionally celebrated to mark the end of the harvest season, express gratitude for bountiful crops, and invoke blessings for prosperity and good health in the upcoming year. It also serves as a way to honor ancestors and strengthen community bonds.
2. Lighting of Torches: A central feature of the festival involves lighting large bonfires and torches made of tree branches and other materials. As night falls, the flickering flames symbolize the driving away of evil spirits and misfortune, while welcoming good luck and blessings from the heavens.
3. Traditional Performances: The festival is known for its colorful cultural performances, including traditional Yi dances, songs, and music. Dancers dressed in vibrant, festive costumes perform intricate moves, often depicting scenes from Yi folklore and daily life. These performances are often accompanied by traditional musical instruments such as drums, flutes, and strings.
4. Competitions and Traditional Games: The Torch Festival features various competitions that promote unity and friendly rivalry among community members. Traditional games such as tug-of-war, horse racing, and archery are common, with participants vying for prizes and honors. These activities engage the younger generation and preserve traditional sports.
5. Culinary Traditions: Food plays a vital role in the celebrations, with families coming together to prepare and share traditional Yi dishes. Meals often include locally sourced ingredients, showcasing flavors unique to the Yi culture. Common dishes include rice, meats, and various vegetable preparations, all enjoyed in a communal spirit.
6. Rituals and Offerings: Spiritual rituals are an integral part of the festival, with offerings made to ancestors and deities, seeking blessings for abundance and protection. Local shamans or elders may conduct ceremonies, incorporating prayers and traditional practices that reflect the Yi people’s spiritual beliefs.
7. Community Gathering: The Torch Festival serves as a vital occasion for bringing the community together, fostering social cohesion, and reinforcing cultural identity among the Yi people. It is a time for family reunions, community celebrations, and shared joy.
8. Art and Craft Exhibitions: Some celebrations may include displays of traditional Yi arts and crafts, such as weaving, embroidery, and pottery. This aspect of the festival helps promote cultural heritage and educate visitors about the skills and artistry of the Yi people.

Chinese Name: 楚雄市彝族年/十月年
English Name: Yizunian (Shiyuenian) New Year of Yi Ethnic Minority in Chuxiong City
Location:
http://www.chuxiong.cn/mzwhpd/mzjq/663161.shtml

Chinese Name: 武定县彝族十月新小米节
English Name: New Rice (Xinxiaomi) Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Wuding County, Chuxiong
Location:

http://www.chuxiong.cn/mzwhpd/mzjq/510456.shtml

Basin Introduction

Chinese Name: 楚雄市彝族耕牛节
English Name: Farm Cattle Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Chuxiong City
Location:楚雄市山区/The Mountain in Chuxiong City
The Farm Cattle Festival of the Yi Ethnic Minority is a vibrant and culturally rich celebration that showcases the traditions and lifestyles of the Yi people. This annual festival typically occurs during the summer months and serves as an important event for the local Yi community, bringing together people to honor their agricultural practices and festivities related to cattle.

Features of the Festival:

1. Cattle-Related Celebrations: The festival primarily revolves around cattle, which hold significant importance in the Yi culture. It includes various activities related to livestock, such as showcasing beautiful cattle, competitions for the best herders, and demonstrations of traditional cattle care and handling.
2. Traditional Performances: The event features vibrant cultural performances, including traditional Yi songs, dances, and theatrical shows. These performances provide insight into the rich heritage of the Yi people and often express themes related to nature, love, and community.
3. Culinary Delights: Food plays a central role in the festival, with local dishes prepared using traditional recipes. Visitors can enjoy a variety of Yi specialties, often featuring ingredients sourced from the surrounding countryside, including dishes made with beef and dairy products.
4. Cultural Exchange: The Farm Cattle Festival is also an opportunity for cultural exchange, attracting visitors from different ethnic backgrounds. It promotes understanding and respect for the Yi culture while offering a platform for sharing traditions and practices.
5. Community Bonding: The festival serves as a vital occasion for the Yi community, fostering unity and cooperation among villagers. It is a time for social gatherings, strengthening community ties, and passing down cultural values to younger generations.

Overview

Chinese Name: 楚雄市三街镇请神来玩节
English Name: Inviting God Playing Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Chuxiong City
Location: 楚雄市三街镇上新房村委会大丫口村/Dayakou Village, Shangxinfang Village Committee, Sanjie Town, Chuxiong City

Lengend of the Festival

In Shangxinfang Village Committee, Dayakou Village, Sanjie Town, Chuxiong City, Yunnan Province, is located under a ridge of mountains that stretches far away, reportedly originating from the Cangshan Mountains in Dali. The Yi ethnic group has lived here for generations and refers to themselves as Luoluo Wuxiangpo. They are hardworking, kind, simple, and honest, living a peaceful life without extravagant desires. Behind their village, every year on the first day of the Lunar New Year, people come to hold a fair, and the sounds of string instruments and flute playing used to echo through the long river valley. Perhaps because of this, the Yi people in this village particularly love to have fun and make noise. The mysterious Yi festival of “Inviting the Gods to Play” originates from this village.

Decades ago, when people’s living standards were not very affluent, there was naturally little enthusiasm for television. In their spare time, everyone loved to play together. Therefore, during the New Year celebrations, the young and old in this village would take turns playing the “Inviting the Gods” game, enjoying it endlessly. They would play from the first day of the New Year until the fifteenth day, with the scene being lively and mysterious. It is said that after the fifteenth day, the gods could no longer be invited, and thus, the game could not be played anymore. The existence of the “Inviting the Gods to Play” festival, when shared with outsiders, is often met with skepticism.

During the “Inviting the Gods to Play” festival, each household prepares a feast for the villagers who come to participate. When all the small stars in the sky are visible and the villagers gather, the elders who can chant incantations will announce the beginning of the “Inviting the Gods” ceremony, allowing people to volunteer to participate. Before the “Inviting the Gods” begins, participants must wash their faces and feet, harboring pure intentions. Once everything is ready, the hosts will close the doors of the main hall, and those with windows will also close them, claiming that they fear the invited gods might cause those being possessed to run out and see the small stars, making it impossible for them to return to their “human form,” so they exercise extra caution. The ritual of inviting the gods takes place on the ground spread with green pine needles in front of the Yi “sacrificial altar” (which has offerings for various deities year-round). Those willing to be possessed by the gods kneel on the ground with incense lit, while the one chanting the incantations also lights incense in front of them and recites verses, the general meaning of which is to invite a certain celestial god to come and play, stating that life on earth is very enjoyable.

Basic Introduction

• Chinese Name: 大姚县石羊镇开井节
• English Name: Kaijing Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Dayao County, Chuxiong
• Location:大姚县石羊镇/Dayao County, Shiyang Town

The Yi Ethnic Group’s Opening Well Festival is a folk festival of the Yi people, originating from Shiyang Town in Dayao County, Chuxiong Prefecture. It is established to thank the legendary Dragon Maiden of Dongting Lake, who, under the pressure of the Dragon King of Erhai Lake, discovered the Shiyang salt well while tending to white sheep. During this festival, the entire Shiyang Town is bustling with prosperity, as people gather at the Shiyang market to shop, purchase goods, and taste various local delicacies.

Overview

On the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, Yi and Han people gather in Shiyang Town, Dayao County, Chuxiong Prefecture, to hold a market and celebrate in gratitude for the achievements of the legendary Dragon Maiden of Dongting Lake, who discovered the Shiyang salt well while tending to white sheep. At this time, the entire Shiyang Town is bustling and lively, filled with the sounds of opera, market vendors, and laughter. People are busy selecting the items they love, and famous local snacks like cold noodles, pickled chili, pickled vegetables, and savory pancakes are plentiful. As you walk into the crowd, you’ll be enveloped by the atmosphere of happiness radiating from the people.

Legend of the Opening Well Festival

I cannot recall which year or dynasty it was, but the Dragon King of Dongting Lake had a beautiful daughter, gentle and virtuous, resembling a red camellia blossom. One day, under the sunny skies of Dongting Lake, with waves sparkling in the sunlight, the Dragon Maiden was captivated by the wonders of the human world. She secretly brought a maid with her to the lakeside to play, but unexpectedly, the Dragon King of Erhai Lake passed by, saw the Dragon Maiden’s exquisite beauty and graceful demeanor, and was filled with an inappropriate desire. He took the Dragon Maiden to Erhai, forcing her to marry him.

The Dragon Maiden was a determined girl; even under the Dragon King of Erhai’s pressures, she refused to yield and would rather die than comply. Furious and embarrassed, Erhai’s Dragon King had no choice but to send the Dragon Maiden to the deep mountains, ordering her to tend three hundred sheep until she changed her mind, forbidding her from returning to the water. Thus, the Dragon Maiden herded the sheep in the mountain; when thirsty, she drank mountain spring water, and when hungry, she ate wild fruits. During the day, she walked barefoot across the mountains, and at night, she slept in the grass.

The Dragon Maiden traveled far and wide, across ninety-nine mountains and cliffs, her feet pricked by thorns until blood dripped into the mountain creek, where camellias bloomed. Sweat fell onto the rocks, causing the Ganoderma lucidum to grow. After enduring countless hardships, the Dragon Maiden’s sweat mixed with the spring water in the deep mountain, and she broke open a stone lock, allowing the salty spring to flow down to Yi Mountain. The Yi Mountain was saved, everything revived, and the buckwheat in the fields turned green again.

The Dragon Maiden twisted fine vines into a basket, sweeping sheep dung into it on her way, which she carried to the buckwheat field, causing the Yi’s buckwheat to bloom on the spot.

The people of the Yi village adored this shepherd girl, affectionately calling her “Shepherd Maiden.” The girls wove beautiful linen skirts to give her, while the young men played the lusheng (a type of reed pipe) and bamboo flutes, singing “Meige” and “Dajia.” The little sisters all vied to help the Shepherd Maiden with her flock. Although the drought in Yi Mountain was resolved, the Yi people still had no salt to eat. The Dragon Maiden declined their heartfelt invitations to stay, instead driving her sheep to search for a salt well so the Yi villagers could have salt.

Once again, the Dragon Maiden climbed over ninety-nine cliffs. Her sheepskin coat wore thin, and her linen skirt ripped. She climbed mountains and cliffs, continuing her search in the deep mountains, tasting pieces of sand and stone with her mouth. Thirty-three of her sheep died from exhaustion, and wolves in the deep mountains snatched away another thirty-three. Only one white sheep remained by her side. The Dragon Maiden, battered and hungry, could barely move and fell asleep at the base of a cliff.

A gentle breeze awakened the Dragon Maiden, and when she looked around, she found that the remaining white sheep was also missing. She quickly searched everywhere until she suddenly heard a bleating sound from afar. Ignoring her pain, she ran up the slope, only to see that the white sheep was burrowing its head into the ground. Half of its body was already buried. The Dragon Maiden hurriedly pulled on its tail to free it; the tail broke, yet the sheep continued to dig. What to do? Suddenly, the Dragon Maiden had an idea: sheep love salt! Maybe there was salt here. She quickly grabbed a handful of earth and put it in her mouth, and indeed, it was salty! She had found the salt! Overjoyed, she fell to the ground and began digging with her hands, and after a while, she unearthed a deep salt well.

After a long time, the people of Yi Mountain had yet to see the Shepherd Maiden return, so they sent out young men with knives and gunpowder to search for her. They found the salt well, but the Dragon Maiden had died, her hands still buried in the earth, and the white sheep had transformed into a stone sheep. From then on, the Yi people built a temple next to the stone sheep to commemorate the Shepherd Maiden, with a statue of her in the temple still dressed in a Yi girl’s linen skirt.

Year after year, people continued to celebrate the festival to express their gratitude for the Dragon Maiden’s contributions.

Basic Introduction

• Chinese Name: 牟定县扭柴河村太平乐会
• English Name: Taiping Lehui Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Mouding County, Chuxiong
• Location:Niuchaihe Village of Gonghe Town in Mouding County/牟定县共和镇清河村委会扭柴河村

The Taiping Lehui Festival is one of the most important and vibrant traditional celebrations of the Yi ethnic minority, particularly celebrated in Mouding County, Chuxiong, in Yunnan Province, China. This festival usually takes place in the seventh month of the lunar calendar and lasts for several days, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Yi people.

Key Features of the Taiping Lehui Festival:

1. Cultural Significance: The Taiping Lehui Festival is deeply rooted in the agrarian lifestyle of the Yi people. It is a time for communities to come together to celebrate the harvest, express gratitude for nature’s bounty, and pray for a good future. The festival symbolizes unity and harmony among the Yi, as well as their connection to nature.
2. Rituals and Customs: The festival typically includes various rituals such as offerings to ancestors and deities, as well as ceremonies to bless the crops and ensure a good harvest. These customs reflect the Yi people’s respect for their ancestors and the natural world.
3. Traditional Performances: During the festival, traditional music and dance performances are a highlight. The Yi people engage in lively dances characterized by intricate footwork and vibrant costumes, often accompanied by traditional musical instruments. The Erhu (a two-stringed bowed instrument), flutes, and drums are commonly used, creating a festive atmosphere.
4. Costumes and Attire: Participants often dress in colorful traditional clothing that showcases the unique styles of the Yi ethnic group. Women’s outfits are adorned with silver jewelry, embroidery, and bright fabrics, while men typically wear distinctive hats and garments that reflect their cultural identity.
5. Sports and Games: In addition to cultural performances, the festival is also marked by various competitions and games, such as traditional archery, horse racing, and wrestling. These activities not only provide entertainment but also foster a spirit of camaraderie among participants.
6. Community Bonding: The Taiping Lehui Festival serves as a vital occasion for socializing and strengthening community ties. It is a time for families to come together, visitors to partake in the festivities, and friendships to be nurtured.
7. Promoting Tourism: In recent years, the festival has also attracted tourists who wish to experience the unique traditions of the Yi ethnic minority. Local authorities encourage the participation of visitors, contributing to both cultural exchange and economic development in the region.

Basic Introduction

• Chinese Name: 双柏县安龙堡乡花鼓文化节
• English Name: Huagu (Flower Drum) Culture Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Shuangbai County, Chuxiong
• Location: Anlongbao Town of Shuangbai County/双柏县安龙堡乡

Anlongbao Township in Shuangbai County is a typical settlement of the Yi ethnic minority. Known for its rich ethnic customs and deep cultural heritage, it is often referred to as the “Hometown of Yi Shengdances,” “Hometown of Flower Drums,” and “Hometown of Four-String Instruments” in China. The Flower Drum Dance is the most widely performed dance among the Acha branch of the Yi people. It was originally introduced from Eshan to Shuangbai County and later spread to Yi regions such as Anlongbao and Damai Di. The most vivid performances are found in places like Anlongbao Township and the surrounding villages. Amidst the curling smoke rising from the earthen houses, accompanied by classic folk songs, the passionate and lively performances of the Flower Drum Dance bring endless joy and happiness to the people.

Key Activities of the Huagu Culture Festival:

1. Flower Drum Dance Performances: The centerpiece of the festival is the lively and colorful Flower Drum Dance. Various groups perform traditional dances, featuring intricate footwork, energetic movements, and expressive storytelling. Participants often wear vibrant traditional costumes, enhancing the visual appeal of the performances.
2. Music and Singing: Traditional Yi music is an integral part of the festival. Local musicians play traditional instruments, such as the four-stringed zithers and flutes, while singers perform folk songs that tell stories of Yi culture, nature, and daily life. The atmosphere is filled with joyful melodies that resonate with both participants and spectators.
3. Cultural Exhibitions: The festival often features exhibitions showcasing Yi handicrafts, textiles, and traditional arts. Visitors can explore stalls displaying intricate embroidery, jewelry, and other artisan products. This not only preserves traditional crafts but also promotes them to a wider audience.
4. Food and Culinary Delights: Local cuisine plays an important role during the festival, with numerous food stalls offering traditional Yi dishes. Visitors can sample various specialties, such as grilled meats, spicy salads, and local pastries, allowing them to experience the unique flavors of Yi culture.
5. Traditional Games and Competitions: To engage the community, the festival includes various traditional games and competitions, such as archery, tug-of-war, and horse racing. These events not only provide entertainment but also foster camaraderie and teamwork among participants.
6. Cultural Workshops: In some editions of the festival, workshops are organized to teach attendees about Yi traditional crafts, music, and dance. These interactive sessions allow visitors to immerse themselves in the culture and learn directly from local practitioners.
7. Parades and Rituals: The festival often includes grand parades featuring representatives from different Yi communities. Rituals to honor ancestors and deities may also take place, emphasizing the spiritual connection of the Yi people to their culture and environment.
8. Community Gatherings: The festival is a significant time for family reunions and community gatherings. It provides an opportunity for people to connect with one another, share stories, and celebrate their shared cultural heritage.

Introduction to the Torch Festival

• Chinese Name: 楚雄市彝族火把节
• English Name: Torch Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Chuxiong City, Chuxiong Prefecture
• Location: Chuxiong City, Chuxiong Prefecture

The Torch Festival is a symbol of Yi culture, celebrated during the Yi New Year, and is the most important and grandest festival in Yi tradition. With rich folk cultural connotations, it is renowned both domestically and internationally, often referred to as the “Carnival of the East.”

Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture is one of the two Yi autonomous prefectures in China and is the most popular and grandest region for the Torch Festival in the country. In 2005, the “Chuxiong Yi Torch Festival” was included in the first batch of the national intangible cultural heritage protection list.

Throughout history, on the night of the Torch Festival each year, various ethnic groups celebrate together in the same region. From villages to towns, from mountains to plains, everyone lights torches and gathers hand in hand to form a circle, singing and dancing. Elders play the dusty moon guitar, young men play flutes that have not been touched for a long time, and young women play the mouth harp hanging on their chests, praying for a bountiful harvest and thriving livestock, while singing about a beautiful life. Under the moonlight, torches flicker and bonfires blaze like stars falling from the sky, creating a world of fire and an ocean of song and dance.

In today’s era of reform and opening up, illuminated by the brilliance of the party’s ethnic policies, the Torch Festival has gained new dimensions of mass participation, entertainment, and diversity. People not only inherit and carry forward its fine traditions but also integrate the spirit of the times, creating a new scene. For example, during the festival, numerous domestic and international tourists flock to the area for shopping and trading, often outnumbering the locals. The Torch Festival has become a means and opportunity to attract people from all walks of life for sightseeing, tourism, and trade discussions.

Various cultural and sporting performances are becoming increasingly rich and colorful year by year, and folk festivals naturally transform into regional festivals, evolving from rural celebrations to urban and rural events, and from a single-ethnic festival to a multi-ethnic shared celebration. Few people truly know and understand the Yi people, but when the “Torch Festival” and “Axi Dance” are mentioned, they will not feel unfamiliar. However, to truly appreciate the authentic Torch Festival, one must be in the countryside, especially in remote villages away from urban areas, to experience the genuine customs and traditions.

The Torch Festival is not only a traditional holiday for every family but also a time for relatives and friends to gather and socialize, enriching lives and promoting neighborly friendships.

Legend of the Torch Festival

Long ago, in a Yi village at the foot of Hongshan near Zhaojiadian in Dayao County, there lived a smart, beautiful, and kind-hearted girl named Nuona, who was deeply in love with a brave young man named Acha from a nearby village. That year, the insidious and cruel mountain chief Moha chose a girl to be his angry concubine, hoping to occupy the beautiful Nuona for himself. Under Moha’s oppressive rule, the brave Acha, using cleverness to overcome strength, defeated the treacherous Moha with his superb skills. In anger, Moha used witchcraft to crack the earth beneath them, causing Acha to fall into an abyss. Fortunately, he was rescued by the villagers.

While Acha was in peril, Nuona faced the dangers of Moha’s clutches. Moha led his soldiers to surround Nuona’s home, trying to take her as his bride. To avoid being captured, Nuona climbed down a cliff and fled her home in search of Acha. Exhausted, she tragically died at the bottom of the cliff. Her figure is said to eternally reflect on the cliff, which is why it is called “White Person Cliff.” After being rescued from the split mountain, Acha rushed straight to Nuona’s home, only to find her parents had been killed by Moha. Heartbroken, he buried them and searched through the mountains until he finally discovered Nuona’s white silhouette left on Hongya.

Desperate, Acha considered jumping off the cliff to be with Nuona. The villagers came to dissuade him and discussed revenge with him. The next day (June 25), Acha and villagers from eight mountains and three towns marched toward Moha’s home carrying thousands of torches, burning down Moha’s palace and killing the wicked Moha, avenging Nuona and relieving the villagers’ hatred.

Traditionally, the “Torch Festival” is held on June 24 of the lunar calendar, but it is celebrated on “June 25” here because it commemorates the day when the brave Acha and the villagers avenged their sorrow. On the day of the Torch Festival, people in the Yi villages light torches made of pine wood, using the blazing flames to illuminate their surroundings, burn away insects, ward off evil, and symbolize good fortune and happiness. Participants exchange torches as a sign of respect, and burn “Zhu Chong” (a form of offering), to signify cleanliness and peace. They then take torches into the fields, waving them to attract moths and burn pests. After the parade, they place the torches at the edges of the fields and in open areas before gathering around the fire to dance joyfully, while the elders sit nearby, opening fragrant fire wine and toasting each other, wishing for good fortune. People also bring home their married daughters for the celebration. On this day, pigs and sheep are slaughtered, and families share meals to signify reunions.

On the day of the Torch Festival, mountain people from nearby Yuanmou, Yongren, Longjie, and other places bring their mountain goods and local products, riding mules and horses over the hills to Zhaojiadian. They set up tents and cook, displaying rows of fresh produce and bowls of fragrant lamb and beef soup, enchanting passersby. At night, on relatively flat hillsides, bonfires are lit, and Yi young men play the sanxian (three-stringed lute) while the young women join hands and dance around the fires, amidst the crackling flames that rise high into the sky, dancing until dawn.

Activities of the Torch Festival

• Left Foot Dance
• Bullfighting
• Horse Riding

The festival lasts for three days. The Yi people believe that celebrating the Torch Festival will cause the grain spikes to grow thick like torches. The descendants use this festival to honor the fire and drive away evil spirits from their homes and fields, ensuring safety for people and livestock. During the festival, young men and women from various ethnic groups light torches made of pine wood and participate in various activities in the villages and fields, walking while sprinkling resin on the torches to pray for prosperity and eliminate impurities; they may engage in dances, bullfighting, wrestling, horseback riding, shooting, torch performances, and releasing sky lanterns; or hold large bonfire parties for all-night revelry. Additionally, trade activities are conducted during the festivities.

Delicious Foods of the Torch Festival

The Torch Festival is also a time for feasting throughout the year. Although the organization and activities of the Torch Festival among the Yi people in Chuxiong vary, the custom of each family preparing the best dishes to feast with their households, the entire village, or inviting friends and guests is universal.

Due to their living environment, the Yi people of Chuxiong have developed unique dietary customs. Animal-based foods mainly include pigs, sheep, cattle, chickens, and insects; plant-based foods consist primarily of wild fungi, flowers, and leaves. Staple foods include rice, corn, wheat, potatoes, and buckwheat. Cooking methods vary, including roasting, frying, steaming, boiling, pickling, pounding, and chopping. Beverages include homemade rice wine, fire jar wine, and tea, and sweet wine can be made from pumpkins, bananas, and buckwheat.

The Yi culinary repertoire features many dishes, such as lamb soup, stir-fried walnut flowers, dry-fried banana hearts, buckwheat cakes, pickled tender shoots, corn rice, cold mixed bananas, pork with poria, water celery, cold mixed flower tree, tofu sausage, fish heart grass, boiled wild yam, fungi, frogs, cold mixed green prickly ash, cold mixed podocarpus branches, stir-fried soapberry, etc.

Delicious Foods of the Torch Festival

• Lamb Soup

The Yi people are a community that worships fire, and the “Torch Festival” is the most grand and culturally distinctive traditional festival with widespread participation in Chuxiong Prefecture. Celebrating the Torch Festival not only promotes and preserves Yi culture but also showcases Chuxiong’s charm and enriches festive culture, while also promoting the scientific, harmonious, and leapfrog development of the economy and society in Chuxiong.

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