Yi people in Yunnan celebrate Straw Horse Festival

The Yi ethnic group in China practice a lot of unique festivals. Apart from the famous torch festival, there's also the Straw Horse Festival which is happening at the moment.

The Yi ethnic group in China practice a lot of unique festivals. Apart from the famous torch festival, there's also the Straw Horse Festival which is happening at the moment. Every August in the Chinese lunar calendar, the Yi people choose one day to make straw horses in honor of their loyal companions.

Here in Wenshan in Yunnan Province, boys and girls from different villages have gathered to dance a traditional Yi dance in celebration of the Straw Horse festival.

"I'm from here but this is my first Straw Horse Festival. It feels great to see these traditional performances."

As to the origins of the festival, there are different stories.

One goes that in ancient times, the Yi ethnic group were nomadic and therefore relied on their horses for transportation. In return, their descendants continue to honour the horses who travelled great distances with their masters, through this festival.

During the festival, the Yi people make straw horses decorated with flowers and pray to the horse for an abundant year.

Zhao Shu, President, Yi Ethnic Society, said, "We will be hosting different activities to show the uniqueness of the festival. It's our responsibility to preserve this intangible cultural heritage and make it known to more people."

The Straw Horse Festival demonstrates the Yi people's diligence as well as their passion for life. Hopefully these straw horses will ride on for many years to come.