The Yi People’s New Year, "Kushi" in the Yi language, is a traditional festival for the Yi like the Spring Festival for the Han. The Yi New Year is celebrated after the autumn harvest in the month of the Rabbit in the Yi calendar (October by the Chinese Lunar Calendar). Traditionally, the Yi New Year is celebrated for three days. On the first day, people kill a pig, offer sacrifices to ancestors, and have dinner together. The second day is the happiest time. It is called "Duobo" in the Yi language, which means "enjoying happiness". On that day, there held many activities such as sports and entrainment performances. The men call on friends and neighbors one by one to express best whishes and ask for a drink of liquor. The third day is called "Afuboji", which means "sending the ancestors to heaven". Persons call on each other and exchange gifts.
Actually, the precise day is decided by a local elder or Bimo who understands the calendar clearly. As a result, Yi People living in different counties celebrate their new year on different days.
This year, Yi People in different parts of China would like to celebrate their new year in variety ways. A royal ancestor worship ceremony had been held on Nov. 17, at the "Liuzu Square" in Zhaotong, Yunnan. Thousands of Yi people from Guizhou, Sichuan, Guangxi and Yunnan get together and sacrifice their ancestors, Apu Dumu and his six sons.
In Chengdu, the celebration last from Nov. 19 to Nov 24, at Southwest University for Nationalities. There are variety of academic forums and exchange activities during the festival. The main Art performance will be held in the afternoon, on Nov. 24.
In Beijing, the celebration will be also celebrated from Nov. 19 to Nov 24, at Minzu University of China. The academic activities and football games will be expected. The main Art performance will be held in the afternoon, from 14:00 to 17:00 on Nov. 25, with the name of "Go back to Apu’s home for New Year". Apu means Grandpa in Yi language.
In Kunming, the celebration will be held from Nov. 30 to Dec.2, at Chuxiong Building in Xishan District. And the main Art performance will be held in the evening, from 20:00 to 23:30, on Dec. 1.
In Guizhou, Yi People there had celebrated the New Year on Nov. 14, more earlier than other places.
In Xichang, all people of different ethnic groups will enjoy the New Year holiday of one week together. Beautiful sunshine will also bless the lucky people there.
All friends of Yi will be welcome to attend the activities above.
