Xinjiang Festivals and Events

Tajik Sowing Festival

It usually falls on the first week after the spring equinox. In the hearts of Tajik people, it is a quite significant festival and is often celebrated the first day of spring sowing each year. During the festival, an revered old man would lead all the villagers to sow wheat to the crowd and ground to show the beginning of spring sowing. If there are guests arriving at home, women would sprinkle the prepared basins of clean water to them. The more water they sprinkle, the more respect would be shown. Tajik people mainly gather in Kashgar Prefecture, and most of them live in Tashkurgan Tajik Autonomous County, and some live in Shache county, Zepu county, Baicheng county and Pishan county.

Lantern Festival （Baluoti Festival)

It is a traditional festival of Tajik people. Before the festival, every family makes their lampwicks by using hay and cotton, soaking the two materials in the mutton fat. Then the lantern is done. The festival is a way for Tajik people to gain good luck and blessings.

Westward Movement Festival

It falls on the 18th day of the 4th lunar month, and is a traditional festival of Xibe nationality, in the memory of Xibe people ’westward movement from northeast to northwestern Xinjiang to protect their homes and defend the country 220 years ago. It is the most magnificent festival of Xibe nationality. During the festival, there would be all kinds of recreational and sports activities like art show, horseracing, Diaoyang (a traditional sport in xinjiang), etc. And there are activities in temples as well. Gathering would be carried out to commemorate.

China Around Taklimakan（International）Rally

It falls on the period from May to June. Its full name is automobile and motorcycle cross-country rally around Taklimakan Desert. It was started in 2005 ans is a national level sports events. It has officially become an international event since 2011. It is the largest international cross-country rally in Asia and China that automobile, motorcycle and truck compete together.

Lesser Bairam

It is the end of the month of Ramadan. Ramadan refers to the 9th month of the Muslim year when Muslims do not eat or drink between dawn and sunset. During the Ramadan, Muslims are required to restrain all desires and cut off all the evil thoughts to show their earnest beliefs to Allah. The atmosphere of Ramadan is solemn and majestic. Such a life lasts for a month.

Corban Festival

Time: December 10th of the Islamic calendar Activities: In the early morning of the festival, Muslims bathe and then wear neat and formal clothes to go to the mosque to attend their ceremonies. Whether in the cities or the countryside squire, grand Maxrap dancing shows are held. Colorful and wonderful decoration is made during the event. And there are all kinds of snacks as well. Except the Muslims, other nationalities like Kazak, Kirgiz, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan all have their own activities to celebrate, such as horse racing, wrestling, and other game activities.