Overseas Chinese have expressed their eager expectation to watch the 2025 Spring Festival Gala, which, as a cherished tradition, has become an integral part of the Chinese Spring Festival celebrations, uniting families and communities worldwide.
Hosted by China Media Group (CMG), the highly-anticipated Spring Festival Gala, also known as "Chunwan" in Chinese, has been an annual event since 1983. This year, it will be aired globally on January 28, the eve of the Spring Festival or the Chinese New Year.
The televised fiesta will feature an eclectic mix of performances, including dance, opera, comedy, skits, martial arts, magic, and more.
To give people a sneak peek of the gala, its promotional video has been broadcast in many countries, including 21 in Africa, garnering widespread attention and praise.
Last Friday, the Chinese Consulate-General in Johannesburg, South Africa hosted a Spring Festival reception, welcoming nearly 300 guests, including government officials, Chinese nationals, and local dignitaries.
During the reception, the promotional video of the gala was played, and attendees remarked that the video deepened their understanding of traditional Chinese culture.
"The Spring Festival Gala is not only a grand feast of Chinese culture but also a bridge that connects the world and unites our hearts," said Shi Qinping, president of the Southern Africa Free State Fujian Overseas Chinese Association.
"For us overseas Chinese, the Spring Festival Gala carries a strong sense of tradition and ritual. Watching the gala is a must, accompanied by making dumplings and enjoying round glutinous rice balls," said Xu Hang, an overseas Chinese in Tanzania.
The promotional video also made its debut in Expo City Dubai of the United Arab Emirates last Friday, when the Chinese pavilion held a vibrant event in celebration of the Spring Festival.
"This is my first year working abroad, and I can't return home to unite with my family. Watching the Spring Festival Gala in Dubai should feel even more heartwarming and hold special significance to me. The programs I'm most looking forward to this year are the skit performances," said Zhao Yajuan, a Chinese working in Dubai.
Overseas Chinese look forward to watching 2025 Spring Festival Gala
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
