People from the Yi ethnic minority group in southwest China's Yunnan Province are holding their annual Torch Festival. In Chuxiong Yi Autonomous Prefecture, the locals heated up the celebrations around a giant bonfire.

The Yi people's Torch Festival begins with a grand evening gala.

Revelers, dressed in traditional costumes, present a series of festive performances.

Over ten thousand tourists join the celebration around a huge bonfire, before dancing with the locals around.

Yi ethnic minority group celebrates Torch Festival.

The Torch Festival is becoming increasingly popular. Many have come a long way to experience the unique celebration first hand.

"I'm from Chongqing. I made my trip here just for the Torch Festival. It's very spectacular."

"This is exciting! The culture is so unique and the people here are very friendly. I like being here."

The festival is seen as one of the most important for the Yi people who, by placing torches on their door steps, hope to drive away bad luck. Dressed in traditional Yi garb, they perform their dances and play their music well into the night.

Also on the three-day agenda will be an International Yi Forum, a Chuxiong Tiger Culture Exhibition, a Yi Ethnic Love Song Contest, and a Yi Ethnic Dance Show.