People of Dong ethnic group on Saturday celebrated their New Year's Day with a vibrant traditional instrument contest and a grand parade at the picturesque Zhaoxing Dong Village in southwest China's Guizhou Province.
Dong New Year, a traditional festival for harvest and gathering, was enlisted as one of China's national intangible cultural heritages in 2011.
This year's celebration was held at the largest and most iconic Dong ethnic village in China, which is famous for its well-preserved wooden architecture, majestic drum towers and rich ethnic culture.
The joyous gathering culminated in the final competition of Lusheng, a traditional bamboo reed-pipe wind instrument. A total of 25 teams from Congjiang and Liping counties in Guizhou, as well as Sanjiang County from the neighboring Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region competed in 97 matches to win the title of loudest, strongest performances and best ensembles.
On the main street of Zhaoxing Dong Village, a captivating parade brought together over 500 participants to showcase the rich cultural heritage of the Dong people, including costumes, musical instruments and food, as well as creative items integrating ethnic elements.
One of the highlights was a formation displaying fashions that incorporated Dong people's ancient craft of wax dyeing with modern fashion clothing.
Performers in the folk custom formation carried the special delicacies such as glutinous rice and red eggs that every Dong person eats during the festival, symbolizing favorable weather and a colorful life in the coming year.
The performers also invited tourists to join them in a folk dance called "Duoye," allowing people from all over the country to experience the festivities in a more immersive way.
Event in celebration of Dong New Year held at Zhaoxing Dong village
Event in celebration of Dong New Year held at Zhaoxing Dong village
Event in celebration of Dong New Year held at Zhaoxing Dong village
