The Torch Festival in The Stone Forest (Shilin County), Kunming
According to the Deputy Magistrate of the Stone Forest Yang Yan, the 2012 Stone Forest International Torch Carnival Festival will be held on August 6thlasting for 7 days. On the carnival, the kickboxing and the all-star concert will be the highlights of the festival. The theme of the 2012 Stone Forest Int’l Torch Carnival Festival is to sing in the Stone Forest and to rejoice with wild excitement. There will present the bullfighting, wrestling, horse racing, singing, dancing and other traditional activities to demonstrate the universal Fire Culture of Yi nationalities.
The Torch Festival of Yi nationality 彝族火把节 is said to be the Oriental Carnival, as a grand old Yi annual festival. It is not only China’s first intangible cultural heritage, but also the one of the top ten traditional festivals in China. In order to promote the Stone Forest Int’l Torch Festival as well as the cultural industry brand of Ashima, the festival in 2012 has carried out large-scale investment to motivate local tourism and cultural industries improvement by the stage of ethnic culture.
The Torch Festival of the Yi Ethnic Minority is one of the most vibrant and culturally rich celebrations in Yunnan Province, particularly in the Stone Forest area near Kunming. This traditional festival is a time of great joy, community bonding, and the preservation of cultural heritage among the Yi people, as well as other ethnic minorities in the region.
Overview of the Torch Festival
- Date: The Torch Festival is traditionally held on the 24th or 25th day of the sixth month of the lunar calendar, which usually falls in July or August.
- Significance: The festival is deeply rooted in the Yi culture, symbolizing the drive to ward off evil spirits, pests, and diseases, and to pray for a good harvest. It is also a time to celebrate life, health, and prosperity within the community.
Celebrations in the Stone Forest
The Stone Forest, with its dramatic limestone formations and deep cultural significance, serves as an extraordinary backdrop for the Torch Festival. The area’s natural beauty enhances the festival’s atmosphere, attracting both locals and visitors to join in the festivities.
Key Activities:
- Torch Lighting and Processions:
- Main Event: As evening falls, the festival begins with the lighting of large torches made from pine wood. The bonfires illuminate the night, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.
- Processions: Participants, each holding their own torch, form processions that wind through the Stone Forest. The sight of hundreds of flickering flames against the towering stone formations is both mesmerizing and symbolic of the community’s collective strength.
- Traditional Yi Dances and Music:
- Dances: The Yi people are known for their energetic and colorful traditional dances, which are a highlight of the Torch Festival. Dancers, dressed in their vibrant ethnic costumes, perform around the bonfires, showcasing the richness of Yi culture.
- Music: Accompanying the dances are traditional Yi songs and instruments, such as the hulusi (a type of gourd flute), adding to the festive spirit.
- Cultural Competitions:
- Bullfighting: A traditional sport among the Yi, bullfighting during the Torch Festival is a popular and exciting event. Bulls are pitted against each other in a show of strength and endurance.
- Wrestling: Another competitive event is wrestling, where participants demonstrate their physical prowess, reflecting the Yi people’s respect for strength and skill.
- Bonfire Jumping and Games:
- Bonfire Jumping: A daring and thrilling activity where participants leap over the bonfires. This act is believed to bring good fortune and protect against misfortune.
- Traditional Games: Various ethnic games, such as tug-of-war and horse racing, are played, engaging both locals and visitors in the spirit of the festival.
- Feasting and Local Delicacies:
- Yi Cuisine: The festival is also an opportunity to savor Yi ethnic dishes, such as roasted meats, rice cakes, and local wines. Food stalls are set up around the festival area, offering a taste of the region’s culinary traditions.
- Communal Meals: Large communal feasts are held, where people come together to share food and celebrate the occasion.
Experience the Festival:
- Best Time to Visit: The Torch Festival is an ideal time to visit the Stone Forest, offering a unique cultural experience alongside the natural beauty of the area.
- Participation: Visitors are encouraged to participate in the torch processions and other activities, making it an immersive cultural experience.
- Photography: The combination of the Stone Forest’s striking landscape and the festival’s fiery torches offers stunning opportunities for photography, especially at night.
Cultural Importance:
The Torch Festival is a deeply significant event for the Yi people, embodying their traditions, beliefs, and community values. Celebrating this festival in the Stone Forest adds a unique dimension to the experience, blending natural wonder with cultural heritage. It is a time when the Yi people come together to celebrate their identity and share their rich cultural traditions with the world.
