The Laba Festival, also known as Laba Rice Porridge Festival, is a traditional Chinese celebration that falls on the eighth day of the twelfth month of the lunar calendar, which usually occurs in early January. The festival marks the official beginning of the Chinese New Year preparations.

The festival has its roots in ancient agricultural practices, where people offered sacrifices to the ancestors and the Kitchen God to pray for a good harvest. Over time, Laba Festival evolved into a time for family reunions and the consumption of Laba congee, a special rice porridge made with mixed grains, beans, dried fruits, and nuts.

During the Laba Festival, it is customary for families to come together to make Laba congee, symbolizing abundance and unity. Additionally, people often engage in charitable activities, such as donating food to the less fortunate, as a way of promoting compassion and kindness.

In some regions, Laba garlic is prepared by soaking garlic in vinegar for several weeks. This pungent condiment is believed to have health benefits and is often consumed during the festival.

While the Laba Festival is not as widely celebrated as the Chinese New Year itself, it holds cultural significance and offers a time for reflection, gratitude, and sharing with others. The customs and traditions associated with the Laba Festival vary across different regions of China, adding diversity to this ancient celebration.