The "April 8th" agricultural tool festival has a long history, originated from the temple fair of the Three Realms of Natong, and was formed in the Wanli and Apocalypse years of the Ming Dynasty. Later, because the agricultural production in the area of Natong Town has always been based on planting, the villagers have a relatively large demand for farm tools, and some villagers bring homemade farm tools and furniture for sale when they rush to the temple fair to subsidize their families. Over time, a well-known agricultural tool trading market was formed during the festival. In 2010, the "April 8" Farm Tool Festival was selected into the list of intangible cultural heritage at the autonomous region level.
In the agricultural tool making exhibition area, several eldest sisters are weaving pampas fans. Photo by Huang Xi
On May 14, the reporter came to Natong Town to experience this traditional festival that has been inherited for more than 300 years. In the agricultural tool making exhibition area, several eldest sisters are weaving pampas fans. Strips of cattails flew up and down in their dexterous hands, and after a while, a light and delicate pampas fan appeared in front of them. On the stalls on the side, there are also bamboo baskets, dustpans, baskets and other utensils. In the face of different sizes, bright and colorful bamboo, Ms. Deng, who came from the county seat to participate in the "April 8" agricultural tool festival in Natong, is carefully selecting.
Customers are picking up a wide variety of handmade products. Photo by Huang Xi
The trade and food exhibition street brings together snacks and drinks from all over the country, stinky tofu, crayfish, grilled squid and other delicacies are fragrant, making people salivate and can't help but eat it.
When night falls, the shores of Lake Foun are lit up with colorful illuminations. Accompanied by cheerful and lively music, the night of the "April 8" Farm Tool Festival officially kicked off. Some of the people are shopping for goods in the street market by the lake, some are participating in garden activities such as rings and balloons, and some are watching theatrical evenings. The mysterious Sichuan opera face-changing fire, and the wonderful Wuqiao acrobatics show the beauty of skills, fully interpreting the meaning of "one minute on stage, ten years of work off the stage", and won bursts of applause and applause from the audience.
Wonderful Sichuan opera face-changing and acrobatic performances. Photo by Huang Xi
"The Iron Flower has begun!" A loud shout attracted everyone's attention, and everyone gathered on the shore in anticipation of the grand debut of the night. With the powerful blows of the performers again and again, golden sparks gradually bloomed in the air, like scattered flowers of the heavenly maidens, like stars, reflected on the rippling lake, presenting a dreamlike scene.
The audience on the shore exclaimed and said that the performance made them feel the charm of "intangible cultural heritage" and the rich connotation of the "April 8" agricultural tool festival in Natong.
Iron flower show. Photo by Chen Jianzhuo
(Text/Huang Xi Photo/Huang Xi Chen Jianzhuo)