The Jingpo people, dressed in their best suits, gathered in the beautifully decorated Mangshi Square from all quarters to celebrate the traditional Munao Singing Party on Feb 17, 2011.

Lang Dazhong, general secretary of the Yunnan CPPCC, declared the festival open. Many officials from Dehong Prefecture and Mangshi attended the opening ceremony.

During the ceremony, officials presented awards to companies they considered committed to the development of Jingpo ethnic culture. Also honored were 123 excellent students of the Jingpo ethnic group.

“The Munao Singing Party is not only a large-scale gala with a long history, but also a traditional festival for people to express their happiness and celebrate the harvest,” a Mangshi officer was quoted as saying.

Since being designated as the official festival of the Jingpo ethnic group 20 years ago, the party has become an important occasion for people of all ethnic groups to communicate, deepen understanding, enhance solidarity and promote common development.

The Munao Singing Party also serves as a platform for Mangshi to display its prosperity and promote Jingpo ethnic culture.

Other activities, such as the Elephant-Foot Drum Competition and the Folk Crafts Display will also be held.