Torch Festival of Yi Ethnic Minority in Liangshan of Sichuan

The Torch Festival (火把节) in Liangshan (凉山), Sichuan (四川) is a grand traditional celebration of the Yi ethnic minority (彝族) and several other ethnic groups, including Bai (白族), Naxi (纳西族), Jinuo (基诺族), and Lahu (拉祜族). Often called the “Oriental Carnival,” this festival features a vibrant mix of rituals, sports, performances, and folk customs, attracting thousands of participants and visitors each year.

When to Visit

• Best time: 24th or 25th day of the 6th lunar month
• Recommended visiting hours: Around three hours to fully experience the festival atmosphere
• Location: Puge (普格县) or Butuo County (布拖县), Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture, Sichuan (四川凉山彝族自治州)

Features and Recognition

The Liangshan Yi Torch Festival is the most spectacular Yi traditional festival due to its:

• Richest variety of activities
• Largest number of participants
• Strongest ethnic characteristics

Additional honors:

1. Listed among the first intangible cultural heritage sites in China
2. Recognized as one of China’s ten major folk festivals and among the top ten famous festivals in Sichuan
3. Included in UNESCO’s World Intangible Cultural Heritage Examination and Approval Project (2010)

Historical Legends of the Torch Festival

The origins of the festival are steeped in legend and folklore:

Legend 1: The Hero Attilaba and the Locusts
Long ago, the gods sent locusts to destroy crops. Brave Yi farmers, led by the hero Attilaba, used torches to drive away the pests, working day and night in the fields. After successfully saving the harvest, the Yi people began celebrating with the Torch Festival every year on the 24th day of the 6th lunar month, marking victory over pests and the abundance of the harvest.

Legend 2: Altiraba and the Divine Wrestling
In this tale, a strong man in the sky, Sitherabi, and a strong man on earth, Altiraba, were destined to wrestle. Through a series of events involving pine branch torches, Altiraba eventually defeated Sitherabi, but the god Entsguz sent locusts to punish humans. To protect their crops, Altiraba and the Yi people burned torch-lit pine branches in the fields, establishing the Torch Festival as a ritual of protection and gratitude.

Evening Torch Party

During the festival:

• Each household builds torches in front of their homes
• Villagers select an open area, erect a 10–20 meter pine tree, and stack firewood in a pagoda-shaped torch formation
• As night falls, the sound of gongs and drums signals everyone to ignite torches
• Villagers raise torches to the central pagoda-shaped torch, creating a spectacular blaze that symbolizes warding off evil and blessing the fields
• Celebrations include singing, dancing, and processions toward the fields to pray for good harvests and prosperity

Main Festival Activities

Bullfight

• Two fierce bulls clash while villagers cheer
• The victorious bull is decorated with colorful cloth and celebrated as a symbol of strength and good livestock management

Wrestling

• Yi wrestling features two forms: stumbling and non-stumbling
• The strongest wrestlers compete, and winners return to their villages for feasts with wine, meat, and mutton

Sheepfight

• Two rams engage in humorous clashes
• Matches are repeated without a definitive winner, providing entertaining spectacle for all spectators

Traditional Beauty Pageant

• Young Yi women showcase traditional costumes, carrying yellow umbrellas and performing the “Dolehe” ritual dance around the bonfire
• Judges, respected elders, evaluate participants based on appearance, attire, moral conduct, and filial piety
• This ancient form of beauty contest emphasizes character and cultural values, not just looks

Travel Tips

• Transportation: Accessible via YChinaTours packages or independent travel
• Cultural etiquette: Do not step over torches, avoid touching sacred items, and show respect to elders
• Recommended attire: Comfortable shoes, light jackets for cooler evenings, and optional traditional Yi costumes for photos
• Local specialties: Experience Yi cuisine at festival stalls, including grilled meats, corn wine, and traditional festival snacks

The Torch Festival in Liangshan is a must-see cultural celebration, offering visitors an unforgettable immersion into Yi traditions, folk legends, and communal spirit. The combination of fire, music, dance, and colorful performances makes it one of China’s most iconic ethnic festivals.