The local Miao ethnic group in Fenghuang county, Hunan province, celebrates its annual Malan Festival on the third day of the third month on the Chinese calendar, which fell on March 30. [Photo by Liang Yonghong / for chinadaily.com.cn]
In the enchanting embrace of spring, Fenghuang county's Miao ethnic group in Hunan province celebrated its annual Malan Festival on the third day of the third month on the Chinese calendar, which fell on March 30.
This vibrant cultural event, steeped in centuries-old traditions, drew visitors and photographers to witness the romantic customs and lively spirit of Miao culture.
The festival is rooted in the Miao people's history as a day for young lovers to express affection and seek lifelong partnerships. Guests were warmly greeted with the iconic "gate-blocking wine drinking ceremony", where Miao women in dazzling traditional attire offered sweet rice wine and folk songs, embodying the ethnic group's legendary hospitality.
The local Miao ethnic group in Fenghuang county, Hunan province, celebrates its annual Malan Festival on the third day of the third month on the Chinese calendar, which fell on March 30. [Photo by Liang Yonghong / for chinadaily.com.cn]
Rhythmic drumbeats heralded a series of performances. Each act celebrated the community's resilience and zest for life, from the dynamic Miao flower-drum dance to folk songs echoing through terraced fields.
A showstopping marriage customs parade captivated audiences, with brides resplendent in scarlet embroidered gowns adorned with intricate silver ornaments that rang like wind chimes. At the same time, grooms exuded quiet dignity in indigo tunics and hand-woven headscarves. The procession offered a living tableau of Miao matrimonial traditions with symbolic dowries like embroidered quilts and silver accessories.
As dusk fell, the celebration culminated in a grand "Long Table Feast". Nearly a thousand participants shared heirloom recipes, including sour fish, cured pork and ceremonial glutinous rice cakes.
The local Miao ethnic group in Fenghuang county, Hunan province, celebrates its annual Malan Festival on the third day of the third month on the Chinese calendar, which fell on March 30. [Photo by Liang Yonghong / for chinadaily.com.cn]
The local Miao ethnic group in Fenghuang county, Hunan province, celebrates its annual Malan Festival on the third day of the third month on the Chinese calendar, which fell on March 30. [Photo by Liang Yonghong / for chinadaily.com.cn]
The local Miao ethnic group in Fenghuang county, Hunan province, celebrates its annual Malan Festival on the third day of the third month on the Chinese calendar, which fell on March 30. [Photo by Liang Yonghong / for chinadaily.com.cn]
The local Miao ethnic group in Fenghuang county, Hunan province, celebrates its annual Malan Festival on the third day of the third month on the Chinese calendar, which fell on March 30. [Photo by Liang Yonghong / for chinadaily.com.cn]
