Performers hold a fire dragon in a traditional parade to celebrate the Fire Lantern Festival in Jiepai township of Hengyang county, Central China's Hunan province, March 15, 2016. [Photo/Xinhua]

People celebrated the annual Fire Lantern Festival in Jiepai township of Hengyang county, Central China's Hunan province, March 15, 2016.

The festival, which falls on the 7th day of the second lunar month, is a unique folk custom and celebration in Jiepai.

According to local legend, people in Jiepai suffered from plagues of insects in consecutive years during the reign of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Later, a Buddha from Shengshou Temple appeared in villagers' dreams and taught them how to use fire to avert disaster.

From then on, local villagers played with fire dragons on the 7th day of the second lunar month to get rid of bad fortune and pray for good weather for the crops.

The tradition has been carried on for 610 years. The annual festival attracts numerous visitors each year and the whole town is immersed in a carnival atmosphere during the celebration.