As the Spring Festival approaches, millions of overseas Chinese around the world are eagerly counting down to the annual Spring Festival Gala or "chunwan", a beloved tradition that has become an integral part of their cultural heritage.
Produced by China Media Group (CMG), the gala is a highly anticipated event that showcases China's rich cultural heritage, featuring vibrant performances, heartwarming stories, and festive music.
The Chinese Embassies in Mexico and Slovakia respectively hosted Spring Festival receptions last Friday, where attendees shared their views about the importance of watching the Spring Festival Gala.
"Every year, I set an alarm clock to make sure I wake up and watch the Spring Festival Gala. It feels like it's not the Spring Festival without watching the Spring Festival Gala. It's a visual and auditory feast," said Chen Lifang, an overseas Chinese living in Mexico.
"Living abroad, the Xiao Pins (Chinese skits) give us a glimpse of real life in China when we watch them in the gala. They make me feel so warm and familiar, like home," said Yan Suyun, another overseas Chinese living in Mexico.
"When I was young, my family would watch the gala together each year, while eating dinner on Spring Festival Eve. To me, it's not just a program, but a symbol of family reunion. For overseas Chinese like us, the gala is a source of spiritual comfort," said Zhou Yanjun, chairman of the Chinese Youth Federation of Europe.
In Vancouver, Canada, preparations are underway for an innovative dance drama, titled "A Deer of Nine Colors," a well-known Chinese story and a shining example of China's rich cultural heritage. The production team shared their excitement about participating in the Spring Festival Gala in their unique way.
"This year, I'm quite thrilled, because we joined the CGTN (a branch of CMG)'s 'Share your Snake Year dance' challenge online," said Tao Xiaoying, choreographer of the dance drama.
"I also think that the inscription of the Spring Festival [on UNESCO's list] of intangible cultural heritage is something that deserves celebration. And watching the Spring Festival Gala has been a tradition, since I was a child, and I'm also very happy," said a dancer.
In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, a special event was held in recent days to showcase the promotional video of CMG's Spring Festival Gala to local residents and overseas Chinese. The bilingual promotional videos for the gala in English and Arabic were prominently featured during cultural performances and film screenings of the event, bringing people into a festive atmosphere.
"Seeing the Spring Festival Gala's promotional video at the New Year's fair has brought the festivities to me. It felt like the Spring Festival is just around the corner, bringing me closer to home," said Dong Xuliang, a staff member of a Chinese company in Saudi Arabia.
In South Africa, the Spring Festival Gala's promotional video made its debut at the Sun City Resort last Friday, as the video has highlighted the unique charm of Chinese culture and drawn the attention of tourists from around the world.
"I grew up watching the Spring Festival Gala, but this is the first time I've watched its promotional video overseas in South Africa. I felt so happy and touched, and I even wanted to cry. It made me miss home so much," said Zhang Wei, an overseas Chinese living in South Africa.
The Spring Festival falls on the first day of the first month on the lunar calendar, which this year lands on Jan 29, ushering in the Year of the Snake. The festival is now recognized across the globe, with nearly one-fifth of the world's population celebrating it in various ways. Its recent inscription on the UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity has further emphasized its worldwide appeal.
Overseas Chinese eagerly anticipate 2025 Spring Festival Gala
