Residents in Shibing County, in southwest China’s Guizhou Province, gathered on Friday night to celebrate the traditional firecracker dragon event as part of Chinese New Year festivities.
The centuries-old custom features a distinctive dragon dance performed with a bamboo dragon, setting it apart from dragon dances seen elsewhere in China. During the performance, spectators throw lit firecrackers directly at the dragon as dancers weave through showers of sparks and smoke.
Local residents believe the explosive ritual helps drive away evil spirits and brings peace, good fortune and prosperity for the coming year.
Recognizing its cultural importance, the firecracker dragon event was added to China’s national intangible cultural heritage list in 2008.
Video shows:
– Various views of crowds celebrating the firecracker dragon event
– Spectators throwing firecrackers at the bamboo dragon
Location: Shibing County, Guizhou Province, China
Source: China News Service (CNS)
Credit required: CNS
