Spring Festival celebrations of the Year of the Dragon held across the globe
The Spring Festival of the Year of the Dragon was a global celebration as embassies and consulates around the world held colorful events to commemorate the Chinese Lunar New Year. The celebrations extended to various countries as people from different nationalities came together to experience and exchange cultural traditions.
On the 5th of February, the UNESCO headquarters was adorned with lanterns and other decorative items, enveloping the space in the spirit of the Chinese New Year. Vera Lacje, President of the Executive Board of UNESCO, highlighted the significance of the Year of the Dragon and the element of wood, symbolizing vitality and innovation for the year ahead.
Meanwhile, in the United States, the Chinese Embassy in Washington hosted a special Spring Festival reception, featuring paper-cutting demonstrations and a vibrant Sichuan Opera performance. Ambassador Xie Feng called for unity and participation in the modernization of the motherland.
Croatian Deputy Speaker Rey Nair, during the New Year reception at the Chinese Embassy in Croatia, expressed confidence in the further development of relations between the two countries.
The “Happy Spring Festival” event was not just limited to diplomatic and cultural centers. In cities such as The Hague and Helsinki, the local community actively embraced the festive atmosphere through decorations and cultural activities.
In Paris, the Chinese Cultural Center organized a “Happy Spring Festival” garden party that attracted over 300 French participants, who engaged in traditional Chinese activities and celebrated the Year of the Dragon.
Further, as part of the celebrations, intangible cultural heritage performances from Quanzhou, China were displayed in Belgrade, Serbia, providing local residents with a unique glimpse into Chinese culture.
Mexico also joined in the festivities with the seventh “Bicycle Zodiac Decoration Contest”, where participants integrated traditional Chinese cultural elements into their bicycle designs, emphasizing the importance of environmental protection and sustainable development. Frida, a 9-year-old participant, attributed her deeper understanding of Chinese zodiac culture and environmental conservation to her participation in the event.
The global celebrations of the Spring Festival not only showcased the rich traditions and cultural exchange but also symbolized unity and friendship across borders. As people from diverse backgrounds came together to welcome the Year of the Dragon, the spirit of joy, hope, and cooperation echoed through the celebrations.