Residents on the Hawaiian island of Maui are struggling to move on from the painful memories on the first anniversary of a devastating wildfire that claimed more than 100 lives. The fire, which broke out on Aug. 8 of last year, destroyed more than 2,200 buildings and caused about 5.5 billion dollars in damages, according to data released by the U.S. government. Hawaii Governor Josh Green on Friday announced a settlement totaling over 4 billion U.S. dollars to resolve hundreds of lawsuits filed after last year's deadly wildfire. However, it's still difficult for Cody Ball, a resident in the worst-hit Lahaina region, to accept that the wildfire engulfed and destroyed his hometown where he had lived for over 20 years. A total of 102 people perished in the fires, including some of his friends. Many were caught off guard, as the fire alert system failed and communications collapsed across the island. "I'm so frustrated by all this. Is that. They still could have sent the warning sign because there are probably people sleeping or not really thinking there was an emergency and have some sort of siren go off. But again, you know, the infrastructure combined with just absolute negligence is just ridiculous," he said. A memorial site was designated to honor the lost lives, with their pictures lined up on the side of a road. Soakai Taufa, who built it last year, is now getting ready to unveil what he called the Teardrop of Lahaina on the one-year anniversary. "The community is still in mourning. And can you see? There's a heart inside that is run through that whole teardrop. And those represent the missing tears," he said. Hundreds of displaced families were housed in hotel rooms for almost a year. Many had to move repeatedly, and some are now in temporary apartments paid by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. One year after fast-moving wildfires destroyed the town of Lahaina, Maui, there are visible signs of progress to rebuild. However, many still remain skeptical facing the settlement file, including Matty Schweitzer, a local filmmaker who has been documenting the lives of several victims. "I'm not a big fan of settlements like that. Yeah. Because, accountability is more important than money. If people are taking settlements, then it's, you know, money is the most important thing. Give me money, and I'll shut up and sign the papers, and I won't, and I'll make sure nobody needs to be accountable," he said.
Maui residents strive to move on from painful wildfire memories
As the Qingming Festival approaches this Friday, various traditional folk activities have been held across China, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the occasion.
With a 2,500-year history, Qingming Festival, or the Festival of Pure Brightness, observed in early April, uniquely combines ancestral worship with the celebration of spring. Falling on the 15th day after the spring equinox, this ritual-rich observance reflects China's enduring values of ancestral veneration and inspires deep introspection about what gives life meaning.
In Sijia Village, Huayin City, northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, a unique swing festival is held to mark the occasion. Eighteen different types of traditional swings, such as the spinning wheel swing, the Bagua swing reminiscent of a rotating carousel, and the balance swing designed for two people, have attracted many visitors.
Historically, Sijia Village served as a military post guarding the strategic Tongguan pass, a former mountain pass and fortress located south of the confluence of the Wei and Yellow Rivers. The swing tradition in the village has its origins in military training exercises like climbing and river crossing. The local swing culture further developed as regional trade flourished, eventually evolving into the "swing festival" that continues today.
"It's very exciting and tests your skill, endurance, and most importantly, your arm strength. You need to maintain balance," said Qu Xiangyang, a visitor.
In Rudong County, Nantong City, east China's Jiangsu Province, another traditional Qingming activity takes place - kite flying.
Flying kites as a way of making wishes is an age-old Qingming custom in this region. As a result, the Qingming Festival in Nantong is also known as the "Kite Festival."
The local Banyao whistling kite making skills is listed as one of the first national intangible cultural heritage items.
According to a folk culture expert, people traditionally write the names of diseases or misfortunes on paper, attach it to a kite, and release it into the sky. This practice is believed to drive away illness and disaster, while also serving as a way to make wishes.
In south China's Guangdong Province, a large tug-of-war competition is underway in Maoming City. Teams from different towns and streets are competing, attracting many locals to cheer on their teams.
Tug-of-war, which originated during the late Spring and Autumn period (770 BC - 476 BC), became part of Qingming customs during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty once organized large-scale tug-of-war competitions for the festival.
"Tug-of-war became very popular in the Tang Dynasty, even emerging as the national sport. It originated in the Jingchu region and later spread across the country. In ancient Lingnan (Southern China), tug-of-war games were a common tradition. Through these events, people seek to pray for peace, prosperity, and abundant harvests," said Yao Guojun, vice dean of the College of Arts and Law, Guangdong University of Petrochemical Technology.
Traditional folk activities held for Qingming Festival
