99 couples married in Xinjiang group wedding

Ninety-nine couples got married on Saturday in the biggest group wedding ever held in northwest China's Xinjiang Autonomous Region

Those who tied the knot during the ceremony in Markit County are from three ethnic groups -- Uygur, Han and Hui, and come from diverse walks of life including farmers, teachers, civil servants and businessmen.

Over 1,000 people, including dancers, newlyweds and audience members gathered to perform Mexrep, a kind of traditional Uygur folk custom that consists of songs, dances and games.

Markit is home to the culture of Daolang (swordsman). The local Uygurs who are the descendants of aboriginals and Mongolian hordes call themselves Daolang people. Daolang Mexrep dancing and playing of Muqam music are both indispensable during many occasions.

"Most people in Markit stick to the tradition of getting married in May because it is slack farming season," said Lin Xinjiang from the county's civil affairs bureau. "Besides, Mexrep means 'gathering' in Uygur, which matches the concept of a group wedding."