With the festive atmosphere of the Chinese New Year still lingering, a vibrant Yingge performance was staged by Chinese and Thai performers in eastern Thailand.
A familiar scene unfolded in the district of Phanat Nikhom in Chonburi province, where the beats of drums and clashing of cymbals resounded along the roadside and Yingge performers with colorful makeup and elaborate costumes hopped forward while striking their two wooden hammers together to the rhythm.
Running from Feb 28 to March 1, the second Phanat Nikhom Yingge festival attracted seven participating teams, including Nigou Yingge Team from Puning, China's Guangdong province, as well as Thai teams from Nakhon Sawan, Udon Thani, and Chonburi, marking a significant moment in the ongoing cultural dialogues between the two countries.
The Yingge dance, an artful fusion of drama, dance, and martial arts, has long been popular in Guangdong's Chaoshan region and is a Chinese national intangible cultural heritage.
Over a century ago, the art form was introduced to Thailand by -Chinese migrants and has since flourished, gradually developing into one of the most important local cultural symbols, District Chief Chayapol Rattanavisuthikul said at the opening ceremony of the festival, adding that it has been incorporated into the local curriculum.
"We hope to take this festival as a platform to promote cultural exchanges between Thailand and China," said Chayapol.
On the opening day, Chinese and Thai Yingge teams paraded through the streets and alleys, taking turns to perform on the streets as the sounds of drums, footsteps and shouts filled the air.
