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Maixilaifu, Kashgar

"Maixilaifu", which means "gathering" in the Uighur, generally refers to the fair of ethnic music and dances. It has existed in Kashgar for nearly 1000 years and is prevalent among the Uygur.

It is preceded by a sinfonia and then the band starts to play a tune. Pairs of boys and girls dance to the music. With the changes of the music, they dance as if a hunting activity is going on quickly and orderly. Boys dance as if they are looking for the beasts, while girls dance as if they are lighting the paths for the boys.

With the speeding rhythm, they accelerate their movements as though they are fighting with beasts. Due to the intense movements, those who are comparatively weak will have to exeunt halfway, and only those who can persist till the end will be honored as "Dancing King" or "Dancing Queen", respected and admired by others. After it, there are some entertainment activities, such as "offering tea", "composing poems" and so on and so forth. Every game is full of fun.

During the "Maixilaifu", the judge consisting of several people will give some punishments to those who are against the rules. Depending on the seriousness, they will be punished to eat some food or give some performances. The performances are so witty that people will always burst their sides with laughter.

"Maixilaifu" not only adds happiness to people's life, but also strengths their unity.