A festival where dragons bring people together

The skies above Weifang were filled with strings and kites of all shapes and colors during the city’s 43rd International Kite Festival, which opened in a grand ceremony attended by thousands. The event, held in the Chinese city renowned globally for its kite-making traditions, brought together participants from over sixty countries, creating a vibrant atmosphere of cultural exchange and shared heritage. Among the attendees was a photography group representing their nation, who took part in the opening procession and showcased their work before a large audience. One of the photographers, Nik Bertoncelj, described his experience of meeting local schoolchildren and their teacher, who engaged him in a brief conversation despite language barriers, highlighting the warmth and openness of the community. The festival began with a formal ceremony lasting nearly three hours, marked by music, dance, and displays of traditional culture. A parade featuring representatives from around the world wound through the streets, drawing attention to the significance of the event. For many visitors, including Bertoncelj, the highlight was interacting with locals, particularly a group of thirty young students from primary school and their teacher. Despite limited common language, the encounter was filled with smiles, greetings, and curiosity. The children asked questions and eventually posed some of their own, leading to a mutual understanding that culminated in a joint photograph and the gift of two handcrafted miniature traditional kites. Weifang's connection to kite-making dates back more than two thousand years, establishing the city as the global capital of paper kites. Each year, the festival transforms the sky into a canvas of colorful kites, uniting people of all generations, both residents and international visitors. While Bertoncelj did not attend the entire festival due to time constraints, he noted the palpable pride residents felt toward their tradition. The event serves as both a celebration of craftsmanship and a symbol of cultural unity, drawing participants from diverse backgrounds to share in the experience. As a photographer, Bertoncelj often sought inspiration in architecture or landscapes, yet found himself repeatedly drawn to the people. It was these interactions that gave Weifang its distinct character. The kites initially attracted him as symbols of the city, but it was the genuine hospitality of the locals that left a lasting impression. Moments such as those shared with the schoolchildren remained vivid in his memory long after the physical landmarks had faded. The festival featured hundreds of kites in various forms and sizes, each contributing to the spectacle that filled the sky. Fireworks added to the visual display, leaving trails in the air that helped shape the photographs taken during the event. These elements combined to create a unique atmosphere that captured the essence of Weifang’s cultural identity. Participants from different countries engaged in activities ranging from kite flying competitions to workshops showcasing traditional techniques. Local artisans demonstrated how to craft kites using age-old methods passed down through generations. Visitors had the opportunity to learn about the history behind the art form and even try their hands at making their own kites. Such experiences reinforced the idea that the festival was not just about viewing kites but about participating in a living tradition. The event also included performances that highlighted regional folklore and music, further enriching the cultural tapestry of the festival. These elements, along with the presence of international delegations, underscored the global appeal of Weifang’s kite-making legacy. As the festival continued throughout the week, it promised to offer more opportunities for interaction, learning, and appreciation of this ancient craft.