Shangsi Festival celebrations kick off

A bronze drum dance is staged in celebration of the Shangsi Festival in Hechi, Zhuang autonomous region on April 12. [Photo by Luo Changliang and Tan Renlin/hcwang.cn]

Celebrations for the Shangsi Festival kicked off in Hechi, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on April 12 with the staging of an ethnic cultural show at the sports square.

Sanyuesan, a traditional Zhuang festival, is celebrated on the third day of the third lunar month and falls on April 18 this year. People believe the ceremony can ward off evil spirits.

The activity started with a chorus featuring antiphonal singing, which is a form of characteristic folk art where different choirs sing in alternation. This was followed by activities such as bronze drum striking and bamboo dancing, all highlighting the folk traditions and customs and distinctive ethnic culture in Hechi.

A series of 280 events in six categories will be held until mid-May to celebrate the holiday and promote the city's unique ethnic culture.

The show is packed with song and dance during the Shangsi Festival celebration in Hechi, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on April 12. [Photo by Luo Changliang and Tan Renlin/hcwang.cn]

A chorus showcases distinctive ethnic culture in Hechi, South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region. [Photo by Luo Changliang and Tan Renlin/hcwang.cn]

Arists perform a bamboo dance to celebrate the Sanyuesan Festival in Hechi, South China's Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region on April 12. [Photo by Luo Changliang and Tan Renlin/hcwang.cn]