In brief
Daidai’s heartfelt request for assistance with pig slaughtering for an upcoming feast turned into a viral sensation when thousands flocked to her village in Qingfu, China. The event not only celebrated traditional customs but also revealed a longing for community and connection among people. The overwhelming response resulted in a two-day culinary event that transformed a simple request into a massive cultural gathering, reinforcing bonds among villagers and visitors alike.
When Daidai realised her father was too old to slaughter two pigs for a traditional community feast in the run-up to Chinese New Year, she turned to social media.
She didn't want him to feel bad.
Can anyone help me? she asked on Douyin, China's version of Tiktok, at the end of last week. My father is old. I am worried that he can't handle these pigs.
Daidai, who's in her 20s, promised that those who came to their village, Qingfu, to assist would be treated to a pork banquet.
In rural Sichuan and Chongqing, large community meals are an important part of culture, featuring twice-cooked pork, steamed ribs, soup, and homemade liquor.
Her appeal for help attracted more than a million likes and the response on the ground was like a scene from a cheesy feel-good movie, as thousands of cars poured in, carrying many more people than she needed for the task.
Traffic jams ensued in this part of rural Chongqing in south-west China, with drone images showing carloads of people queuing with rice crops on either side. Some chose to walk in from long distances to beat the traffic.
The atmosphere has been great. It reminded me of my childhood when my family still kept pigs. It has been years since I felt anything like that, one man shared.
When the pig slaughter and the subsequent mass banquet happened, it was live-streamed to over 100,000 viewers, who showered the event with 20 million likes. The local government recognized the moment as an opportunity for flash tourism.
With many more visitors than two pigs could satisfy, local tourism officials donated additional pigs, and local restaurants set up outdoor seating to accommodate the crowds.
The banquet celebration grew even larger over two days, from 1,000 diners on January 11 to 2,000 the next day, featuring bonfires, music, and festivities.
Daidai expressed gratitude towards all the strangers who answered her call: Without your enthusiasm and passion, there would not have been a feast like this.
She conveyed a sentiment of warmth and healing from the event, stating how it fostered a sense of family among attendees. Officials now aim to turn this spontaneous gathering into a regular event to celebrate community spirit and rural heritage.
