Abu Dhabi lit up with the vibrant colors and sounds of China’s rich traditions as the “Prelude to the Spring Festival Gala: Global Celebration” took center stage on Sunday. Organized by China Media Group (CMG), the event marked a joyous lead-up to the Chinese New Year, bringing together cultures and communities.
Shen Haixiong, vice minister of the publicity department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and president of CMG, delivered a heartfelt video message. He highlighted how the Spring Festival Gala, now in its 42nd year, has become an essential part of Chinese New Year celebrations for over a billion people worldwide. This year is particularly special as it’s the first gala since the Spring Festival was recognized as an intangible cultural heritage.
Shen emphasized CMG’s innovative approach, utilizing broadcasting in 82 languages and cutting-edge technologies like “5G+4K/8K+AI” to share the festivities globally. “We aim to deliver a joyous and festive cultural feast filled with happiness and prosperity to audiences at home and abroad,” he said, underscoring the event’s role in showcasing the richness of Chinese culture and uniting people worldwide.
Zhang Yiming, Chinese ambassador to the UAE, attended the event and noted its significance for the nearly 400,000 Chinese expatriates and residents in the UAE. “Bringing the Spring Festival Gala here allows our people to feel the warmth and care of their homeland,” he said. He also pointed out that it offers Emirati citizens a unique window into Chinese culture.
Jamal Al Kaabi, director-general of the National Media Office, praised the event for fostering closer connections between the UAE and China. “The Spring Festival symbolizes hope, reunion, and happiness,” he remarked. “Hosting this celebration in the UAE allows local residents to experience the beauty of Chinese traditional culture firsthand.”
The event was a feast for the senses. Artists showcased exquisite paper-cutting, a traditional Chinese craft, captivating attendees with intricate designs. Chinese calligraphers from the UAE’s Chinese community demonstrated live performances, writing festive Spring Festival couplets and sharing CMG’s New Year blessings.
As night fell, the renowned Zigong Lantern Show from Sichuan Province illuminated the venue. The dazzling displays, part of China’s intangible cultural heritage, attracted large crowds of local residents, adding a magical touch to the celebration.
At the CMG cultural innovation booth, visitors explored a range of creative products that blended traditional aesthetics with modern design. Items like the elegant “Ruyi Spring Bowl,” the sophisticated “Four Seasons Fortune Plate,” and the adorable “Prosperity Snake” figurine drew enthusiastic attention, showcasing the ingenuity of Chinese artisans.
The festivities culminated with screenings of CMG’s Spring Festival Gala promotional video and the special documentary “China in Intangible Heritage—Spring Festival Edition.” These films offered a vivid glimpse into the diverse customs of the Chinese New Year and highlighted the enduring charm of China’s intangible cultural heritage.
The event underscored the power of cultural exchange, bringing together people from different backgrounds to celebrate a time-honored tradition. By sharing the beauty of Chinese culture, the “Prelude to the Spring Festival Gala” fostered mutual understanding and friendship between the UAE and China, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
