Hongsha Village in southwestern China's Guizhou province transformed into a kaleidoscope of noise and light during its annual Dragon Bombing festival earlier this month. The fiery spectacle on February 6 drew crowds of residents and visitors alike, blending ancient customs with modern thrill-seeking energy.
As twilight deepened, drumbeats reverberated through the mountain valley while firecracker smoke painted the air electric. A 30-member dragon dance troupe weaved through streets adorned with lanterns, their undulating fabric dragon glowing under handheld sparklers.
The peak moment arrived at 9 PM when daring participants armed with lit firecrackers charged at the dragon figure, creating explosive collisions believed to scare away misfortune. \"It feels like time traveling through fireworks,\" said local teacher Chen Wei, 28. \"Every spark carries our hopes for health and prosperity.\p>
Rooted in Ming Dynasty traditions, the ritual showcases rural China's living cultural heritage. Tourism data shows similar festivals now attract 40% international visitors annually, blending cultural preservation with community-driven tourism.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
