Water-Sprinkling Festival
A Joyous Deluge of Blessings and Renewal
2026/04/12 - 2026/04/14
Every April, the Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture in China's Yunnan Province transforms into a vibrant aquatic playground. The Water-Splashing Festival, celebrated by the Dai ethnic minority, marks their New Year with a three-day spectacle of jubilant water fights, colorful parades, and spiritual rituals. This exuberant celebration draws millions of visitors who come to experience the unique blend of tradition, spirituality, and unbridled joy that defines this ancient festival.
Main Attractions
The Grand Water Battle
The heart of the festival lies in its namesake activity - the water splashing. As the clock strikes noon on the third day, the streets of Jinghong City erupt into a massive, cheerful water fight. The air fills with laughter and shrieks of delight as people armed with water guns, buckets, and even water trucks douse each other in cool, refreshing water. The more you're soaked, the more blessings you're believed to receive, turning the entire city into a watery battlefield of joy and good fortune.
Floating Lantern Release
As night falls, thousands gather along the Lancang River for a breathtaking display of floating lanterns. The dark sky gradually fills with twinkling lights as people release paper lanterns, each carrying a personal wish or prayer. The sight of countless lanterns drifting upwards, their soft glow reflecting off the river's surface, creates a magical, almost ethereal atmosphere.
Traditional Costumes and Decorations
The festival is a feast for the eyes as locals don their finest traditional attire. Women wear colorful, form-fitting dresses adorned with intricate silver belts, while men sport loose-fitting shirts and pants with vibrant sashes. The streets are festooned with multicolored banners and flags, creating a vibrant and joyous atmosphere.
Culinary Delights
Food stalls line the streets, offering a tantalizing array of Dai cuisine. The air is filled with the aromatic scents of grilled fish, bamboo rice, and pineapple rice. Don't miss the chance to taste "Zha Guoqiao," a savory rice noodle dish, or indulge in sweet "Baba," a glutinous rice cake that melts in your mouth. The flavors are as vibrant and diverse as the festival itself, offering a true taste of Dai culture.
Cultural and Historical Background
The Water-Splashing Festival's origins can be traced back over a thousand years, rooted in the Buddhist traditions of the Dai people. Initially a religious ceremony to wash away the previous year's misfortunes and pray for a prosperous new year, it has evolved into a grand celebration that combines spiritual rituals with communal joy.
For the Dai people, this festival holds profound significance. It's not just a New Year celebration, but a time for spiritual cleansing, strengthening community bonds, and honoring their cultural heritage. The act of splashing water symbolizes purification, blessing, and the washing away of misfortune. It's a time when social hierarchies dissolve, and everyone, regardless of status, comes together in a spirit of equality and shared happiness.
Participants Voices
I usually work busy days at an IT company in Beijing, but when I was planning a trip to Yunnan, I learned about this Water-Splashing Festival and really wanted to experience it. Away from the hustle and bustle of the big city, I was overwhelmed by the charm of the ethnic minority culture, so different from our Han culture. On the first day, I watched the dragon boat races, and was amazed by their power and excitement in the natural setting, in stark contrast to Beijing's office buildings. The next day, forgetting the daily stress of work, I bravely joined the water splashing. At first, I was hesitant, but touched by the smiles and welcome of the locals, I soon became engrossed. A Dai boy taught me how to say "Happy New Year" in the Dai language, and I couldn't help but enjoy shouting it while splashing water. At night, I participated in the lantern release, and was captivated by the fantastical sight, so different from Beijing's night view. For someone like me who usually lives surrounded by buildings, this festival was a precious opportunity to feel China's diversity and rediscover the richness of ethnic minority cultures. This experience greatly expanded my view of China, and I'm sure that even when I return to my busy city life, these memories will be a source of comfort for my heart.
Fun Facts
- The largest water gun used in the festival was 3.5 meters long and could shoot water up to 20 meters!
- In 2019, over 7.2 million visitors participated in the festival, consuming an estimated 1,200 tons of water during the celebrations.
- The festival once featured a 72-hour non-stop water splashing event, setting a Guinness World Record.
- Local legend says that the more water you're splashed with, the more prosperous your year will be - leading to some very enthusiastic participants!
- During the festival, even the local McDonald's joins in, offering a special "Water Festival" menu featuring blue-colored desserts and drinks.
Festival Dates
The Water-Splashing Festival typically falls in mid-April, coinciding with the Dai New Year.
The event schedule is subject to change. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Information
Name | Water-Sprinkling Festival |
Country | China |
Area | Yunnan, Xishuangbanna Dai Autonomous Prefecture |
Date | 2026/04/12 - 2026/04/14 |
Link |
Upcoming Festivals
Špancirfest Croatia
Varaždin’s Ten-Day Playground of Creativity and Music
2025/08/21Zheravna Festival of National Costume Bulgaria
Journey Back in Time to Bulgaria’s Roots
2025/08/22Mobile Phone Throwing World Championships Finland
A Quirky Cultural Response to the Technological Age
2025/08/22Perdonanza Celestiniana Italy
A Medieval Jubilee of Forgiveness and Renewal
2025/08/22Notting Hill Carnival United Kingdom
The Colours, Rhythms, and Caribbean Spirit of London
2025/08/22Uraja Japan
Dancing with Demons: Okayama’s Energetic Summer Festival
2025/08/23Burning Man United States
A Week-Long City of Freedom and Creativity in the Desert
2025/08/23International Mariachi Festival Mexico
A Week of Passion and Unity in Guadalajara
2025/08/23Madeira Wine Festival Portugal
A Celebration of Tradition, Terroir, and Island Joy
2025/08/23Ganesh Chaturthi India
Ten Days of Joy, Color, and Devotion to the Elephant-Headed God