Shehuo enlivens Sanmenxia during Lantern Festival

A brilliant martial arts demonstration nearly steals the show. [Photo by Fang Lin and Yan Zhao/dahebao.cn]

Sanmenxia celebrated the Lantern Festival on March 2 with shehuo, a series of traditional folk performances which involve the boisterous beating of drums and gongs.

The custom can be dated back to ancient times, where it served as a form of worship to the Earth God in hopes of good fortune and a strong harvest.

Shehuo artists march on the square in Sanmenxia in celebration of the Lantern Festival on March 2. [Photo by Fang Lin and Yan Zhao/dahebao.cn]

The ritual was performed in districts and counties throughout Sanmenxia city by troupes consisting of over 1,000 people in costume. The participants staged a variety of acrobatic performances including dragon dances, stilt walking, yangko (a rural folk dance), and waist drums.

A festive atmosphere permeated the streets and lanes, attracting huge crowds and deafening cheers.

Performers wearing red costumes stage a dragon dance which people believe will bring good luck. [Photo by Fang Lin and Yan Zhao/dahebao.cn]

A shehuo troupe parades through the street with enthusiastic shehuo performances in Sanmenxia. [Photo by Fang Lin and Yan Zhao/dahebao.cn]