Water Splashing Festival of Dai Ethnic Minority in Jinping County, Honghe
Chinese Name: 红河州金平县傣族泼水节
English Name: The Water-splashing Festival of Dai Ethnic Minority in Jinping County, Honghe
The Water-splashing Festival is a significant and joyous event celebrated by the Dai ethnic minority in Jinping County, located in Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province. This traditional festival is known for its vibrant and lively activities, where water plays a central role in the celebrations.
Significance
The festival marks the Dai New Year and is held to wash away the misfortunes of the past year and to welcome the new year with happiness and prosperity. It reflects the Dai people’s deep connection with water, which symbolizes purity, blessings, and good luck.
Highlights
- Water-splashing Activities: Participants splash water on each other as a form of blessing and good wishes. This is the highlight of the festival, with everyone joining in the fun and joyous water fight.
- Cultural Performances: Traditional dances, music, and performances by the Dai people showcase their rich cultural heritage and artistic talents.
- Parades and Processions: Colorful parades and processions are held, featuring traditional costumes, cultural displays, and floats.
- Food and Feasts: Local delicacies and traditional Dai foods are prepared and enjoyed by the community and visitors.
Location
Jinping County, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China
Timing
The Water-splashing Festival typically takes place in mid-April, coinciding with the Dai New Year celebrations.
The Water-splashing Festival of the Dai ethnic minority in Jinping County, Honghe, is a vibrant and culturally rich event that attracts both locals and tourists. It is an excellent opportunity to experience the unique traditions, hospitality, and joy of the Dai people.
The Water-splashing Carnival is held in Jinping County, Honghe Hani and Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, featuring the Miao, Yao, and Dai ethnic groups. In the Water-splashing Square of Mengla Town, various ethnic communities gather to dance and sing joyously, using water as a medium of celebration.
On the morning of the 20th, a parade takes place in Jinping County, with around 1,000 representatives, including people from various ethnic groups, teachers, and healthcare workers, dressed in traditional costumes, gracefully dancing. Once the water-splashing activities begin, the crowd participates in a joyful water “battle,” wielding various water-splashing tools. Laughter and cheers fill the air amidst the splashes of water.
As night falls, the Electric Dai Di Carnival kicks off at the Water-splashing Square. With upbeat music playing, the square transforms into a “city that never sleeps,” as people sway to the rhythm of the music, fully releasing their passion and energy.
Festival Features
The “Water-splashing Festival” is the Dai New Year. During the three-day celebration, in addition to splashing water and exchanging blessings, visitors can also enjoy local activities such as dragon boat racing, bullfighting, and singing and dancing on the sandy beaches along the Mengla River in Jinping.
As the water-splashing begins, people rush to the streams and rivers, pouring buckets of friendship-filled water onto the revelers and splashing basins of auspicious water onto guests from afar, sharing the beautiful wishes of the Dai people with everyone.
Amidst the cheers of “Water, water, water,” the water-splashing battle continues to be lively. Additionally, the festival features activities like tossing bags and swinging, creating a lively atmosphere both inside and outside the village.
