I found myself on a bus to Ruili on April 13th, the first day of the 3 day Water-splashing Festival.
The Water-splashing Festival is part of the Dai New Year celebrations. The Dai are one of 28 different indigenous groups living in Yunnan. Ruili is Yunnan's most westerly town and 30 minutes from the Burmese border.
The water splashing is supposed to wash away bad luck and encourage a good wet season. However, it seems it is really just an excuse for kids and young adults to run and drive thru the streets, screaming, laughing and heaving pails of water at anyone and everyone. It is also a great time for toy companies to sell gargantuan water guns - guns so large they must be supported by a should sling.
I got off the bus with my pack on my back and prepared myself. As I walked the street looking for a hotel I begged and pleaded, but I was still drenched by the time I checked in.
Is this something I could take pictures of? Absolutely not!! My camera had to remain in my shoulder bag, double protected by a plastic bag.
Is this something I was glad to be a part of? Not really.
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