Festive Lantern (Huadeng) Opera is a regional theatrical genre indigenous to Hunan Province, and Jiahe Festive Lantern Opera is a representative form of this art from southern Hunan.
Jiahe Festive Lantern Opera, which originated from folk songs, gradually developed into a distinct form of opera characterized by duets between the characters of Xiaodan (young female) and Xiaochou (negative role). Over time, it evolved into two short plays integrated into the framework of traditional Chinese opera.
Jiahe Festive Lantern Opera was derived from the people, and born out of the toil of labor, which reflects the essence of everyday life. Its melodies are harmonious, resonating with a distinct regional charm. The performances are lively, infused with humor and characterized by exaggerated movements that brim with the vitality of life. Actors in the drama assume multiple roles, skillfully intertwining singing, dancing, and music into a unified and seamless art form.
In 2007, Jiahe Festive Lantern Opera was included on the first representative list of municipal intangible cultural heritage items. And in 2009, it was further included in the second batch of representative projects of intangible cultural heritage at the provincial level.