Luocheng Mulam autonomous county in Hechi, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, held events recently to celebrate the most solemn traditional festival of Mulam people, Yifan Festival.

Yifan Festival has a history of more than 500 years. It is a unique traditional festival for Mulam people to give thanks, celebrate harvest and pray for people's health and safety. It was included in the national intangible cultural heritage protection list in 2006. The festival is held after the start of winter every three to five years, lasting between one and three days.

On Dec 10, villagers of Shiwei village, Dongmen town, Luocheng Mulam autonomous county, dressed in festival costumes and participated in activities such as praying for happiness and the grass dragon dance parade.

Yifan Festival embodies the essence of Mulam culture and is an important tradition in Mulao culture. The ritual of giving offerings to gods during the Yifan Festival has been simplified, and new plays, songs, sports competitions and economic and trade activities have been added. This has become an important cultural signboard in Luocheng. 

The villagers of Shiwei village demonstrate Mulam's traditional marriage customs. [Photo/IC]