Shilin International Torch Festival lights up SW China

People from the Yi ethnic group light a huge torch for a traditional fire worship ritual on July 17, 2017. It marks the beginning of the annual Shilin International Torch Festival in Shilin Yi autonomous county of Kunming, capital of Southwest China's Yunnan province. [Photo/VCG]

The Torch Festival falls on the 24th day of the sixth lunar month. On that day, Yi people gather at Shilin and participate in various activities, such as dancing and a fireworks display.

Each year, more than 100,000 Yi people and visitors gather together at night for the celebration.