03:06China's Yi ethnic group lit up the night skies of Xichang, south of Sichuan, with large bonfires to mark their annual Torch Festival on Monday.
Footage shows locals gathering around the bonfires set up on the city's streets. Many can be seen dancing around the bonfires or filming the flames. Children can also be seen playing around with glow sticks during the festival.
"In July, we mainly light torches in the mountains to drive away pests and pray for a bountiful harvest in the coming year. The torches also symbolise the continuation of the family and the remembrance of our ancestors," one local explained.
Another added that this tradition stems from a belief among the Yi people that a God 'sent down pests, specifically locusts' to Earth. People lit up fires to get rid of the insects during the Summer.
"The event truly exceeded my expectations. I thought there might be a lot of people, but really, each bonfire was surrounded by crowds, layer upon layer. Everyone was very enthusiastic," she continued.
The Torch Festival is celebrated by the Yi people on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month. Traditional activities include dancing around the fires and singing together. The bonfires also symbolise the fire's power to draw away evil, according to local belief.
Brighten up the night! Annual Torch Festival fires up Yi community in Xichang
China's Yi ethnic group lit up the night skies of Xichang, south of Sichuan, with large bonfires to mark their annual Torch Festival on Monday.
Footage shows locals gathering around the bonfires set up on the city's streets. Many can be seen dancing around the bonfires or filming the flames. Children can also be seen playing around with glow sticks during the festival.
"In July, we mainly light torches in the mountains to drive away pests and pray for a bountiful harvest in the coming year. The torches also symbolise the continuation of the family and the remembrance of our ancestors," one local explained.
Another added that this tradition stems from a belief among the Yi people that a God 'sent down pests, specifically locusts' to Earth. People lit up fires to get rid of the insects during the Summer.
"The event truly exceeded my expectations. I thought there might be a lot of people, but really, each bonfire was surrounded by crowds, layer upon layer. Everyone was very enthusiastic," she continued.
The Torch Festival is celebrated by the Yi people on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month. Traditional activities include dancing around the fires and singing together. The bonfires also symbolise the fire's power to draw away evil, according to local belief.
China's Yi ethnic group lit up the night skies of Xichang, south of Sichuan, with large bonfires to mark their annual Torch Festival on Monday.
Footage shows locals gathering around the bonfires set up on the city's streets. Many can be seen dancing around the bonfires or filming the flames. Children can also be seen playing around with glow sticks during the festival.
"In July, we mainly light torches in the mountains to drive away pests and pray for a bountiful harvest in the coming year. The torches also symbolise the continuation of the family and the remembrance of our ancestors," one local explained.
Another added that this tradition stems from a belief among the Yi people that a God 'sent down pests, specifically locusts' to Earth. People lit up fires to get rid of the insects during the Summer.
"The event truly exceeded my expectations. I thought there might be a lot of people, but really, each bonfire was surrounded by crowds, layer upon layer. Everyone was very enthusiastic," she continued.
The Torch Festival is celebrated by the Yi people on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month. Traditional activities include dancing around the fires and singing together. The bonfires also symbolise the fire's power to draw away evil, according to local belief.