Mountains Aglow: A Night of Fire and Tradition
Each summer under a starlit canopy, thousands of Yi people gather in the Daliang Mountains to celebrate the Torch Festival, an annual carnival of light that blends sacred ritual with vibrant community spirit.
Clad in handwoven attire bursting with color and pattern, participants carry towering torches that cleave through the night, their flames believed to drive away evil and bless the land. As torches wind along ancient trails, the air pulses with the beat of drums and the hum of folk songs that echo across the slopes.
Rituals That Bind Generations
For the Yi, fire is more than bright spectacle—it is a living link between past and present. Families pass torches from elders to children, while communal bonfires light up impromptu feasts and storytelling circles. In every spark, attendees find a shared memory and a collective blessing for the year ahead.
Key Highlights
- Vibrant Attire: Intricately handwoven costumes reflect Yi artistry.
- Torchlit Procession: Thousands march with flaming torches to ward off evil.
- Traditional Beats: Drumming circles and folk dances ignite the night.
- Communal Bonfire: Families gather for blessings, stories and feasting.
Beyond its cultural heartbeat, the Torch Festival is fast becoming a must-see for global travelers and digital nomads seeking immersive, sustainable experiences. Here, ancient traditions burn bright, inviting every visitor to feel the heat of history under an open sky.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
