A Yao ethnic girl plays drum in celebration of the Zhuzhu Festival. [Photo by Lu Bo'an/Xinhua]

The 2018 Zhuzhu Festival of the Bunuyao ethnic group was held at Nonghe village, Dahua Yao autonomous county, Hechi in Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on July 11.

People gathered at Nonghe village for various traditional activities, such as whipping the tops, and cock and bird fights. At the opening ceremony, 21 fascinating folk culture performances and modern song and dance shows dazzled the audience. Moreover, the villagers also sponsored a specialty food show of the Bunuyao ethnic group, putting on a really fabulous feast.

People perform a traditional folkloric show at the opening ceremony. [Photo by Qin Zhen/gxnews.com.cn]

The annual Zhuzhu Festival falls on the 29th day of the fifth month in the lunar calendar in honor of Miluotuo, the Mother of the Yao ethnic group. It is the most important Yao festival and marks the beginning of a new year. The ceremony offers visitors the profound cultural riches and local ethnic customs of the Yao people.

Yao men play the suona to celebrate the Zhuzhu Festival. [Photo by Lu Bo'an/Xinhua]