In pictures: China's Torch Festival

We look at some of the most spectacular scenes captured at the Torch Testival in China

CHINA: The annual Torch Festival held in China's southwest is influential among the Yi people. The festival falls between the 24th and 26th day of the sixth lunar month during which men, women, the young and the old participate in a variety of activities while carrying flaming torches.

Many see the festival as an opportunity for young men and women to meet their prospective spouses. Men play stringed instruments while women clap to raise the tempo, snack vendors provide refreshments and everyone's sings and dances late into the night during the joyous occasion.

Here we look at 15 spectacular pictures captured during the Torch Festival being celebrated in China's Sichuan province.

Ethnic Yi minorities and visitors surround fire as they celebrate the Torch Festival in Xichang, Sichuan province, China. PHOTO: REUTERS

Ethnic Yi minorities and visitors surround fire as they celebrate the Torch Festival in Xichang, Sichuan province, China. PHOTO: REUTERS

Ethnic Yi minorities and visitors surround fire as they celebrate the Torch Festival. PHOTO: REUTERS

A dancer, dressed with the traditional Yi costume, waits to perform at the Torch Festival. PHOTO: AFP

Dancers perform at the Torch Festival, in Xichang, China's Sichuan province. PHOTO: AFP

Dancers perform at the Torch Festival, in Xichang, China's Sichuan province. PHOTO: AFP

Spectators watch dancers who perform at the Torch Festival. PHOTO: AFP

People parade at the Torch Festival. PHOTO: AFP

A shaman, dressed with the traditional Yi costume, performs by holding an extremely hot shovel in his mouth at the Torch Festival, in Xichang. PHOTO: AFP

Dancers perform at the Torch Festival. PHOTO: AFP

Dancers, dressed with the traditional Yi costume, prepare to perform at the Torch Festival. PHOTO: AFP

Dancers, dressed with the traditional Yi costume, prepare to perform at the Torch Festival. PHOTO: AFP

A man, dressed with the traditional Yi costume, smokes a pipe at the Torch Festival. PHOTO: AFP

Dancers perform at the Torch Festival. PHOTO: AFP

People parade at the Torch Festival, in Xichang, China. PHOTO: AFP