City - Sanjiang Dong Autonomous Prefecture State - GUANGXI ZHUANG AUTONOMOUS REGION Country - China
About
During the Lunar New Year period, the Dong people celebrate an annual firecracker festival in the Sanjiang Dong Autonomous Prefecture.
These boys are all dressed in traditional Dong costume, and are charged with igniting fireworks in the rifle-like instrument they carry over their shoulders.
The firecrackers are made of some type of gunpowder stuffed into the barrel, packed down, and are then ignited by way of a lit cigarette. So the firecrackers are not the only hazard these boys face, they must also begin smoking young enough to take part in this event.
After the festival in their own village is over, the boys parade themselves, along with hundreds of other celebrants, through all the neighbouring villages.
As for these boys smoking, well... the attitude towards smoking in China is much different than the current attitude in western countries. It's just something men (and some women) do here, and it seems that they start at it as young as anywhere else. I suppose these boys could light those firecrackers with just a lighter, but why not kill two birds with one stone?
Very nicely execution and presentation of this wonderful series. Great about that really gives you a feel for the celebration. It is a tragedy about them having to smoke to be able to light them!
This are very fine photos of these kids in costumes for a festival.. beautiful collections.. all of them are very well composed and sharp.. great shot!
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{K:102911} 2/16/2008
