Miao Malan Festival celebrates spring romance
Rhythmic drumbeats heralded a series of performances. Each act celebrated the community's resilience and zest for life, from the dynamic Miao flower-drum dance to folk songs echoing through terraced fields.
A showstopping marriage customs parade captivated audiences, with brides resplendent in scarlet embroidered gowns adorned with intricate silver ornaments that rang like wind chimes. At the same time, grooms exuded quiet dignity in indigo tunics and hand-woven headscarves. The procession offered a living tableau of Miao matrimonial traditions with symbolic dowries like embroidered quilts and silver accessories.
As dusk fell, the celebration culminated in a grand "Long Table Feast". Nearly a thousand participants shared heirloom recipes, including sour fish, cured pork and ceremonial glutinous rice cakes.
