The 2024 Zhongshan Shaxi Intangible Cultural Heritage Tourism and Culture Week and the Lunar April 8 Folk Art Parade kicked off at the Shengshi Cultural Square in Shaxi Town on May 15.

The event will last until May 19. In addition to the highly anticipated Lunar April 8 Folk Art Parade, other exciting activities such as the Youth Fair, intangible cultural heritage and creative products exhibition, the launch of Shaxi journal of art and food, Longdu culture research meeting and basketball tournament will be held simultaneously.

At 8:00 that morning, the Lunar April 8 Folk Art Parade started with the cheerful sounds of drums and firecrackers. Many tourists were attracted to join the parade and headed towards the Shengshi Cultural Square.

This year, a total of 68 teams participated in the parade, with nearly 3,000 performers showcasing their talents.

The Lunar April 8 Folk Art Parade, also known as the Happy Parade, is a provincial intangible cultural heritage with a history of over 400 years. It is also one of Zhongshan's most well-preserved, deeply rooted in the community and culturally enchanting rural festivals to date. On the eighth day of the fourth lunar month every year, Shengshi and Xiangjiao villages co-organize this traditional event.