The 2024 Dong New Year, the most significant and vibrant festival of the Dong ethnic group, was celebrated with great enthusiasm from November 29 to December 3 in Liping County, Qiandongnan Miao and Dong Autonomous Prefecture, in southwest China’s Guizhou Province.
A highlight of the festivities was the grand parade, which saw thousands of participants from various provincial regions including Guizhou, Hunan, Guangxi, Hubei, and cities like Foshan, coming together to honor and preserve this rich cultural tradition.
The streets of Liping County came alive as locals and visitors alike donned traditional Dong attire, showcasing intricate embroidery and silver ornaments unique to the Dong culture. The parade featured traditional music, dances, and performances, offering a mesmerizing display of the Dong people’s heritage.
“We are delighted to share our traditions with the world,” said a local Dong resident. “The Dong New Year is not just a festival; it’s a celebration of our identity and a way to pass our customs to the next generations.”
The Dong New Year, known as “Gelong” in the Dong language, is an annual event that signifies family reunion, harvest celebration, and the welcoming of a new year. It is an opportunity for the Dong people to express gratitude towards nature and ancestors, and to strengthen community bonds.
The festival attracts tourists, cultural enthusiasts, and researchers interested in ethnology and anthropology. The participation of delegates from various regions underscores the growing recognition and appreciation of the Dong culture within China.
Local authorities in Liping County have been actively promoting the Dong New Year festival as a means to boost cultural tourism and support the preservation of intangible cultural heritage. The influx of visitors during the festival contributes to the local economy and fosters cross-cultural understanding.
As the sounds of traditional Dong songs filled the air and the rhythmic steps of the dancers echoed through the streets, the 2024 Dong New Year parade not only highlighted the community’s vibrant traditions but also showcased the diversity and richness of China’s ethnic cultures.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
