Bangbang Festival (Stick Festival)
Annually held by the Naxi Group on 15th January of the Chinese
lunar calendar, this festival marks the end of the Spring Festival
and the beginning of the agricultural production in a new year.
Originally held in the local temples as an important religious
fair, it was later moved into the Old Town. On that day, locals
flock into the Square Street from far and near, selling or buying
wooden and bamboo farm tools. In recent years, this festival has
grown to be a large trading event, including farm tools, flowers
and trees, commodities and toys for children. Now, not only the
locals but also a large number of domestic and overseas travelers
take part in the Bangbang Festival.
San Duo Festival
San Duo is the patron saint of the Naxi Group, so each year the
local Naxi people will get together to hold a worshipping celebration
on 8th February of the Chinese lunar calendar. It is considered
to be the most important annual event for the Naxi Group. As well
as the big communal ceremony, each Naxi family will hold its own
sacred ceremony. On that day, the locals also have some outside
entertainment and picnics.
Zhuanshan Festival (Walk Around Mountain Festival)
This is one of the very important festivals for those Mosuo people
living along the charming Lugu Lake. On every 25th July of Chinese
lunar calendar, the Mosuo people will wear their finest clothes,
visiting the Lion Mountain beside Lugu Lake on foot or horseback.
The Lion Mountain is said to be the embodiment of the Mosuo people's
guardian goddess. People will burn joss sticks, hang up colorful
prayer flags and offer tributes to their goddess on the mountain.
They also hold a series of entertainments such as horse racing,
wrestling and singing. At this time, young men and girls will
look for their lovers, too.
Torch Festival
This is a famous festival of those of the Yi Group living in Ninglang
County of Lijiang. Originally held on every 24th June of Chinese
lunar calendar, this festival was supposed to use fire to protect
crops from the destructive insect by fire. Now, it is a bustling
trading fair in this region, also involving entertainments. By
night, the locals will take torches with them, and gather for
singing and dancing around a bonfire.