Fireworks have become one more interesting tradition of the Chinese New Year. According to local people, fireworks and loud explosions of petards can scare and drive out evil spirits. During the daytime, all local temples serve festive ceremonies with offerings to higher forces. As a rule, food and drinks are the most typical gifts to gods. Once the ceremony is over, everyone returns home in order to enjoy a special festive meal. Closer to the evening, streets of Balaclava turn into a large theatre stage. Performances of music bands and theatre ensembles don’t stop until late at night. There are special performances, merry competitions, and events for children.
Local people also have their own national dance – sega that is traditionally performed in beautiful national costumes. Sega has become an essential attribute of any national celebration. There are quite many Muslims among local people, so the end of the holy month of Ramadan is an important holiday there, as well as the tenth day of Muḥarram, of the Day of Remembrance. A series of religious events always take place on this special day. As a rule, local people pray on this holiday and apologize to relatives. Local people make a tower from bamboo, decorate it with colorful ribbons, and then burn.
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