100,000 gather in Xichang for Torch Festival of Yi ethnic group

The Torch Festival, a grand traditional folk celebration of the Yi ethnic group, reached its peak on August 8 in Xichang, the capital of Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in southwest China's Sichuan Province.

The annual festival, which kicked off on July 19 and runs through mid-August, has featured a host of signature events across the prefecture. But the highlight came on August 8, when 86 bonfires were lit at the carnival venue, sending flames soaring several meters into the night sky. 

Local residents and visitors lit their own torches one after another and joined hands to dance to traditional Yi rhythms along a 3.2‑kilometer street brimming with festivity. According to organizers, approximately 100,000 people participated in the celebration.

Rooted in age‑old local customs, the Torch Festival originated from folk rituals of warding off pests and praying for bumper harvests. Over time, it has evolved into a grand gathering for people to offer blessings and celebrate together, embodying the Yi people's reverence for fire and nature.

While preserving these folk traditions, this year's Xichang Torch Festival has been upgraded to appeal to a broader audience. A major highlight is the integration of a music festival with the traditional torch celebration, adding a contemporary touch to the ancient event.