Nairobi, Kenya — China Media Group (CMG) hosted a vibrant “Prelude to the Spring Festival Gala” at the United Nations Office in Nairobi this Wednesday, bringing the spirit of the Chinese New Year to the heart of Africa. The event welcomed over 300 guests, including officials, diplomats, and cultural enthusiasts from around the world.
In a special video message, Shen Haixiong, Vice Minister of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and President of CMG, highlighted the global embrace of the Spring Festival. “Today, around one-fifth of the world’s population celebrates the Chinese New Year in their own unique ways,” he said. Shen noted that the festival’s recent inclusion as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO underscores its global significance.
Shen also expressed excitement for the upcoming Spring Festival Gala, which will utilize CMG’s cutting-edge technologies like 5G, 4K/8K, and AI to deliver an unforgettable experience to international audiences. “Our gala has become a cultural ‘New Year’s feast’ for over 1.4 billion Chinese people and a cherished tradition for Chinese communities worldwide,” he added.
Zainab Hawa Bangura, UN Deputy Secretary-General and Director of the UN Office in Nairobi, praised the Spring Festival as a symbol of global cultural unity. She extended her heartfelt wishes for peace, prosperity, and happiness to all celebrating the holiday.
Guo Haiyan, China’s Ambassador to Kenya, and Jane Makori, Deputy Director-General for Asia and the Pacific in Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, also spoke at the event, celebrating the strong and enduring bond between China and Kenya.
The evening was filled with captivating performances, including an exhilarating display of Shaolin kung fu by the renowned Shaolin Monk Troupe from Henan Province, China. Guests were mesmerized by traditional Chinese acrobatics like plate spinning and bowl balancing, and delighted by folk arts such as dough figurine making.
The “Prelude to the Spring Festival Gala” in Nairobi garnered widespread attention, with coverage from mainstream media and digital platforms across Africa. The event reached over 600 million people in countries including Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Nigeria, and Tanzania, showcasing the unifying power of cultural exchange.
As the festivities concluded, attendees left with a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture and its global impact, underscoring the importance of cross-cultural connections in an increasingly interconnected world.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
