Dejiang County in southwest China’s Guizhou Province came alive on June 30, 2025, as tens of thousands gathered to celebrate the annual Water Dragon Festival. The vibrant event sees locals and visitors alike splashing water on one another in a joyful ritual to pray for favorable weather, a bountiful harvest, and peace.
Rooted in over a century of tradition, the festival features three main events: water initiation, sacrifice, and water splashing. Thirty-six straw dragon teams commenced the festivities with a traditional sacrificial ceremony. Following the rites, dragon dancers paraded through the streets, waving the intricately crafted straw dragons along a designated route.
As the dragons rolled and leaped, residents and tourists eagerly awaited their arrival, armed with water guns, basins, ladles, and even buckets. Laughter filled the air as everyone—dancers, dragons, and spectators—became drenched in the playful water fight. No one shied away from the splash, embracing the communal spirit of the celebration.
Recognized as a representative intangible cultural heritage in Guizhou Province, the Water Dragon Festival is a cherished tradition in Dejiang County. Each year, participants dance with straw dragons and engage in water-splashing festivities, expressing hopes for good weather, fruitful harvests, and harmony.
This year’s festival expanded its offerings, showcasing exhibitions and sales of agricultural specialties, local delicacies, and cultural and creative products. Traditional Nuo dance parades and Nuo opera performances also captivated crowds, highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage.
By blending age-old customs with modern festivities, the Water Dragon Festival connects generations through shared prayers and joyous laughter. The enduring wish for health and prosperity continues to flow through Dejiang’s streets, keeping the spirit of the festival as vibrant as ever.
Reference(s):
Water Dragon Festival in Guizhou makes a splash to bless the year
cgtn.com
