Guizhou lights up for annual Torch Festival

Visitors and locals raise torches and gather around a central bonfire to celebrate in Bijie, Guizhou province. [Photo by Han Xianpu/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Cities and villages across Guizhou province recently celebrated the annual Torch Festival with tens of thousands of flaming torches to light up the night sky.

The festival is one of the most important folk events for the Yi and some other ethnic groups. It derives from ancient fire worship and is believed to scare away pests and disease. This year, grand celebrations took place in multiple cities, including Liupanshui and Bijie.

In the Yeyuhai scenic area of Liupanshui, more than 10,000 visitors and local residents raised torches and gathered around a central bonfire to offer prayers on Friday. As traditional Yi music filled the air, participants joined hands and danced in a show of cultural celebration.

Local officials say the festival evolved from an ethnic tradition into a broader cultural event that welcomes visitors from all backgrounds. Bonfire parties, folk dances, and musical performances are expected to continue throughout the month.

Lei Siqi contributed to this story.

People attend a grand feast during the Torch Festival in Bijie, Guizhou province. [Photo by Han Xianpu/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Visitors and locals raise torches and gather around a central bonfire to celebrate in Bijie, Guizhou province. [Photo by Chen Xi/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Visitors and locals raise torches and gather around a central bonfire to celebrate in Liupanshui, Guizhou province. [Photo by Lin Jian/For chinadaily.com.cn]

The traditional Yi blessing ceremony for the Torch Festival in Liupanshui, Guizhou province. [Photo by Lin Jian/For chinadaily.com.cn]

Visitors and locals raise torches and gather around a central bonfire to celebrate in Liupanshui, Guizhou province. [Photo by Lin Jian/For chinadaily.com.cn]