Yi Torch Festival, Yunnan, China

On the 24th day of the 6th lunar month, the Yi communities of Yunnan gather to light torches, hold fire parades and light bonfires, alongside traditional sporting events and performances. The festival commemorates a heavenly general who sacrificed his life to protect the Naxi’s grain harvest. Naxi community traditions dictate that the Torch Festival should be held for three days, with every family lighting a torch before their doors for duration. One of the most spectacular celebrations is held in Chuxiong Prefecture, Yunnan. (Go Yunnan)
Photo cr. (Xinhua/Yang Zongyou)