Meili launches activities to celebrate Lantern Festival

A folk artist shows his painting skills in celebration of the Lantern Festival at a cultural fair in Meili Ancient Town, Xinwu district, Wuxi. [Photo/WeChat account: xinwu_wx]

Meili Ancient Town in Xinwu district, Wuxi, hosted various folk cultural activities over the past few days to celebrate this year's Lantern Festival, which fell on Feb 5, marking the official end of the Spring Festival celebrations in China.

Lantern Festival, which symbolizes unity, is observed on the 15th day of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar.

Traditionally, as the name of the festival implies, people light lanterns, solve lantern riddles, attend temple fairs, enjoy the sight of the bright moon and eat food such as yuanxiao, glutinous rice balls with sweet fillings. Both are sticky and round in shape, representing the concept of tuanyuan, or reunion. The festival is the last chance for many families to be together until next year.

Crowds gather at Meili Ancient Town to watch folk shows including Chinese acrobatic performances. [Photo/WeChat account: xinwu_wx]

A lion dance performance is staged in Meili Ancient Town, Xinwu district, Wuxi. [Photo/WeChat account: xinwu_wx]

People throw iron hoops to catch items, a traditional game in China which is usually seen at folk fairs, especially during holidays. [Photo/WeChat account: xinwu_wx]