The Third Lusheng (a reed-pipe folk instrument) Horse Fight
Festival was held in the Miao Autonomous County of Rongshui, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, on October
29, which attracted many local villagers as well as tourists from
other parts of the country.
Tens of thousands of local villagers wearing traditional
costumes in the venue when fifteen reed-pipe dance troupes
performed at the opening ceremony of the festival, which fascinated
audiences from all over the country. Along with the clamors of
reed-pipe and firecrackers, 17 horses from several villages
participated in the horse fight.
A local legend says that once upon a time two young ethnic Miao
men fell in love with a Miao girl at the same time. The chief of
the Miao tribe then decided to organize a horse fight, whereby the
owner of the winning horse could marry the girl.
Since then, horse fight has been carried on generation after
generation. Local villagers often hold such activity to entertain
themselves.
During the festival, people were also attracted by Miao girls
wearing silver ornaments all over their costumes. Young lovers also
joined in the activity, watching the grand performances hand in
hand.
(China News Service November 1, 2006)
