The streets of Sansha in South China’s Hainan Province burst into life as dancers adorned in vibrant red paraded with glowing carp lanterns to celebrate the Spring Festival. This captivating display is part of the traditional carp lantern dance, a cherished custom in many of the Chinese mainland’s coastal regions.
Waving lifelike lanterns shaped like carp—a symbol of abundance and good fortune—the performers brought joy and excitement to locals and visitors alike. The dance not only showcases the rich cultural heritage of the area but also unites the community in welcoming the new year.
“The carp lantern dance is our way of expressing hopes for prosperity,” said Liu Mei, a resident of Sansha. “It’s a tradition passed down through generations, and we’re proud to keep it alive.”
The Spring Festival, also known as Chinese New Year, is the most important holiday in China, marked by family reunions, feasting, and various cultural activities. In Sansha, the carp lantern dance adds a unique flair to the celebrations, illuminating the city’s streets and hearts.
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Carp lantern dance held in Sansha to usher in Spring Festival
cgtn.com