Torch Festival promotes exchange between ethnic groups

The Torch Festival originated from ethnic minorities in Yunnan, China, who held burning torches up to heaven to pray for peace and pass on their culture to younger generations. Since spreading to Cingjing in Taiwan, the festival has joined the spirit of ethnic integration and encourages everyone to come and participate in the feast.

Held in Renai Township, Nantou County, Cingjing Torch Festival attracts not only Yunnan people and Minnan people but also Hakka people and local indigenous people. The highlight of the Torch Festival is when people raise flaming torches and begin circling the campfire. On the festival host’s order, participants throw the torches into the fire in order, making the bonfire rage higher and higher, a symbol that the spirit of Yunnan’s people will never die. The Torch Festival not only brings opportunities for exchange between locals but also plays an essential role in passing on cultural heritage.

以下為中文對照

焰火照｢清境」　火把節促進族群交流

源自於中國雲南少數民族的火把節，原先以薪火相傳、向天祈求平安為宗旨，傳到台灣清境後，則加入族群融合的精神，讓大家一同來共襄盛舉。

清境火把節在南投仁愛鄉舉辦，現場不僅有雲南人、閩南人、也有客家人和當地原住民參與活動。火把節的重頭戲在於民眾高舉點燃的火把，圍繞篝火不斷前行，由主持人號召民眾點燃篝火，參與者便依序投遞火把，使篝火越燒越旺，象徵著雲南民族精神永遠不滅。火把節不但為當地居民帶來交流的機會，也扮演文化傳承中重要角色。

照片