[InKunming--Yunnan] This year’s first Munao Zongge Festival (目瑙纵歌节) kicked off at Leinong village, Huyu Township, Ruili city, Dehong Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province on January 26. It has been celebrated for 3 days. Tens of thousands of people sang and danced together. 

The four characters Munao Zongge (目瑙纵歌) means “dance together”. It is the grandest feast observed by Jingpo people. Integrating music and dance together, the festival demonstrates the ethnic minority culture of their own to the fulfillment.

All the guests and locals danced together on the spot, showing a lively and exciting atmosphere. Men held their long knives while women in ethnic finery waved fans and handkerchiefs. Accompanied by huge traditional Jingpo drums and flute music, they danced shoulder to shoulder at a public square, forming a snaking line.

In the evening, teams on behalf of different villages presented splendid performances. Shortly after that, a bonfire party was held, around which everyone danced.

Munao zongge Festival is not a feast inside of Jingpo people but an international event as more and more tourists participate in. One thing remains the same, which is the hope of Jingpo people toward happy life.

Click here to view Chinese report. 

(Editors: Rachel, Christine)