Thousands of people gathered in southwestern China's Yunnan Province to celebrate the annual Torch Festival on Friday. /VCG Photo

The Torch Festival, also known as Fire Festival, is one of the main holidays of the local Yi people. /VCG Photo

Every year, they dress in traditional attire and sing and dance around the bonfire. /VCG Photo

Participants also held torches and paraded to drive away bad luck and pray for a harvest. /VCG Photo