People from the Dong ethnic group dressed in traditional costumes gathered to celebrate their New Year in Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture in Guizhou Province, featuring a grand festive occasion to celebrate one of their biggest festivals and let people soak up the joyful atmosphere.
Dong women dressed in beautiful attire dance together to celebrate their New Year in Liping County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, December 16, 2023. /CFP
Dong women dressed in beautiful attire dance together to celebrate their New Year in Liping County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, December 16, 2023. /CFP
The annual celebrations for Dong New Year usually feature a series of traditional customs and cultural activities, including parades, costume shows, folk songs and lusheng competitions and traditional feasts.
Dong people take part in a range of activities to celebrate Dong New Year in Liping County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, December 16, 2023. /CFP
Dong people take part in a range of activities to celebrate Dong New Year in Liping County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, December 16, 2023. /CFP
During the festival, Dong people normally pay their respects to their ancestors and nature by holding a worship ceremony, where they pray for blessings and a good harvest. It's also an occasion where they showcase their traditional culture. During their New Year, Dong people wear folk attire featuring delicate embroidery patterns to highlight their culture. They also make ciba, a kind of glutinous rice cake, as a treat for locals and visitors alike.
Dong people play the lusheng, a traditional musical instrument, to celebrate Dong New Year in Rongjiang County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, December 6, 2023. /CFP
Dong people play the lusheng, a traditional musical instrument, to celebrate Dong New Year in Rongjiang County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, December 6, 2023. /CFP
Dong New Year is celebrated at different times of the year depending on the traditions of the Dong people from different areas, most of which fall in December. It was listed as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2011.