BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhuanet) --The Torch Festival, which usually falls on June 24 of the Chinese lunar calendar, is the biggest festival of the Yi Ethnic Group in Southeast China. It is also celebrated by other ethnic groups in the region, including the Bai, Naxi and Hani.

As night falls, the Yi people light a massive bonfire in the center of the village, with small torches placed around it. The festival dates back to ancient fire worship practices, and people still believe that fire can drive away evil spirits and protect crops from insects. Although the tradition is more than a thousand years old, the Yi people are trying to keep up with the times.

"We've combined traditional rituals like drilling wood with modern elements like fireworks," a villager said.

Circling the bonfire, everyone — young or old — joins in the traditional dance. It even attracts visitors to try it.

Other activities such wrestling, horse racing and arrow shooting are also held during the festival. In some areas, people perform religious rituals to pray for a bountiful harvest.

Nowadays, there is even an element of commerce, such as trade fairs. But, as always, the key to the festival is having fun, which attracts a growing number of visitors from both home and abroad.

(Source: CNTV)