Yao Red Clothes Festival, China

The Yao ethnic community of Guangxi celebrate their traditional Red Clothes Festival, during which they dance, sing, and hold embroidery competitions to showcase their skills with clothes. Yao clothing is particularly treasured for their exquisite workmanship—with elaborate embroidery from silk threads covering the skirt, neckline, cuffs, and hemlines. The patterns have been passed down through the generations, and the Festival is an auspicious time to show them off. Other festival events include a long-drum dance, village beauty pageants, and tug-of-war competitions.