Miao Flower Mountain Festival

Miao Flower Mountain Festival

Miao Flower Mountain Festival

From the second to the seventh day of the first lunar month, the Miao people in Pingbian, Mengzi, and Hekou in Yunnan hold their annual Flower Mountain Festival. During this period, Miao people from different villages gather in large numbers, pouring in from all directions to the open areas among several Miao settlements. The “flower pole” is a significant symbol of the Flower Mountain Festival, typically a tall, straight pine or cypress tree decorated with fresh flowers and colorful flags. The person who sets up the flower pole (also called the “flower pole leader”) is widely recognized as a kind-hearted individual. This person must erect the flower pole on the first morning of the festival, before sunrise.

On the day of the “Flower Mountain” celebration, the “flower pole leader” first offers drinks and blessings to all participants, then officially announces the start of the festival. At this point, drums and gongs sound from both inside and outside the festival grounds, accompanied by continuous fireworks, firecrackers, and the fluttering of flowers and flags. Various celebratory activities begin one after another. Young men and women sing mountain songs to each other, perform three-step dances or foot-stomping dances, play “lusheng duels” (a musical contest using lusheng flutes), dance lion dances, or take part in bullfighting.

This annual Flower Mountain Festival also serves as a wonderful opportunity for young Miao men and women to express their love and seek companionship. When a couple falls in love, the man gives the woman gifts such as flower-wrapped ankle decorations or flower-patterned waistbands, while the woman presents her hand-sewn floral scarves or headdresses, stitched with meticulous care.

Bullfighting also takes place during the festival. Enthusiasts bring tall, strong yellow oxen from various regions, each looking spirited and making it hard to predict the winner. The winning bull is led by its owner to circle the flower pole once before being adorned with red ribbons and colorful decorations.

Address: Pingbian County, Honghe Prefecture