The celebration of the upcoming Spring Festival is held in Nairobi, Kenya on Jan 19, 2025. [Photo by Zhang Xi/chinadaily.com.cn]
Spectacular Chinese lion dances, kung fu performances from both local and Chinese groups and traditional Chinese and Kenyan arts performances were part of the eye-catching presentations that on Sunday marked the celebration of the upcoming Spring Festival, attracting hundreds of revelers in Kenya's capital Nairobi.
Extending greetings and wishes, Guo Haiyan, Chinese ambassador to Kenya, said at the event that the Spring Festival has become a symbol of Chinese culture that is generally accepted, recognized and appreciated across the world.
The celebration of the upcoming Spring Festival is held in Nairobi, Kenya on Jan 19, 2025. [Photo by Zhang Xi/chinadaily.com.cn]
"China actively implements the Global Civilization Initiative and advocates exchanges, mutual learning, inheritance and development among different civilizations," she said while delivering a speech. "Today's Nairobi Chinese New Year Gala is a vivid practice of this initiative. The Spring Festival contains the cultural genes and emotions that have been transmitted within the Chinese nation for thousands of years".
The Spring Festival, marking the start of the Chinese New Year, is the most important traditional festival of the Chinese nation. This year's Spring Festival falls on Jan 29. The festival was listed as a United Nations floating holiday in December 2023, and last year, it was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
Speaking on behalf of the Kenyan government Ummi Bashir, principal secretary for culture, the arts and heritage, said culture and tourism are gaining their rightful place in bilateral cooperation between the two countries and will contribute to the growth of bilateral relations.
The celebration of the upcoming Spring Festival is held in Nairobi, Kenya on Jan 19, 2025. [Photo by Zhang Xi/chinadaily.com.cn]
"Cultural cooperation is a vital tool of people-to-people contact which continues one of the pillars of our strategic partnership, serving as both a bridge and a foundation for fostering mutual understanding and friendship, trust, and respect," she said.
"Kenya remains committed to strengthening cultural cooperation and people-to-people contact, seeking new opportunities to enhance friendship. Kenya and China will contribute to advancing the Global Civilization Initiative which promotes respect for diversity of civilizations, common values of humanity, the importance of inheritance and innovation of civilizations, as well as robust international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation", Bashir said.
The colorful event which was geared towards giving the attendees a glimpse into the rich tapestry of the traditions of Spring Festival exceeded its expectations, according to Sylvia Achieng, a Nairobi resident who attended the gala.
The celebration of the upcoming Spring Festival is held in Nairobi, Kenya on Jan 19, 2025. [Photo by Zhang Xi/chinadaily.com.cn]
Achieng was particularly taken by the Chinese food on display, saying that she was surprised some of the Chinese foods are similar to local Kenyan foods. She pointed out the Chinese beef skewers which she likened to local mshikaki and the dumplings reminded her of local samosas.
"I also had the opportunity to taste Chinese dishes that I have never heard of and I think I will be visiting Chinese restaurants more often. The chefs have taught me how to use chopsticks and I have to make sure I practice by trying more Chinese cuisine," Achieng said.
In addition to culinary delights, the event had other activities visitors could indulge in including face painting for children, learning Chinese writing, and aspects of the Chinese culture like the Peking Opera.
The celebration of the upcoming Spring Festival is held in Nairobi, Kenya on Jan 19, 2025. [Photo by Zhang Xi/chinadaily.com.cn]
