Folk art performances fascinate viewers in anticipation of Lantern Festival

Folk art performances, including spectacular "Fire Dragon Dance" performances, have recently been staged in China, in anticipation of the Lantern Festival on February 12 at the very end of this year's entire traditional Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year celebrations, showcasing regional folk culture and fostering a strong festive atmosphere.

In Kaijiang County of southwest China's Sichuan Province, a "Fire Dragon Dance" performance filled with the charm of local folk culture took place last Saturday evening, drawing tens of thousands of spectators.

A group of male performers energetically swung the dragon's body, while folk artists performed iron fireworks by throwing molten iron into the air to create showers of sparks. Set against the night sky, it seemed as if the dragon was dancing through the flying sparks, giving rise to a stunning scene.

"The performance was really amazing. I stayed home waiting for it and only went outside when it started," said a local resident named Li Qicai.

"The 'Fire Dragon Dance' in Kaijiang County is really spectacular, and I wish everyone a prosperous Chinese New Year," said Wang Li, another resident.

Dragon dances have been documented at ceremonial events in China since the Han Dynasty (202 BC to 220 AD). Today, fire dragon dances take place all over the country as part of Spring Festival festivities, but performances in different regions may vary in shapes and forms.

On Monday, Handan City in north China's Hebei Province hosted a grand parade and display in the run-up to the Lantern Festival. The event fascinated viewers and provided visitors with a feast of unique local folk culture.

Amid the rhythmic sounds of gongs and drums, local folk art performances such as the reed lantern display and the "phoenix and dragon dances" were presented, conveying blessings for a more prosperous life in the Chinese New Year.

"I'm especially accompanying my little grandson to see this grant event here in anticipation of the Lantern Festival. I am so happy," said Yang Aijun, a local resident.

The reed lantern display, which originated in a local village and has a rich history, features lanterns with vibrant colors and intricate decorations, accompanied by unique and lively performances. Notably, young students also joined the festive performance team this year, which reflects the continuation of this cultural heritage across generations.

"This year, we incorporated elements of the Year of the Snake and Handan's idiomatic culture into our performance. We also included a team of elementary school students, hoping that the involvement of the young generation will contribute to the continuation of our cultural heritage, the reed lantern display," said Shi Xiuli, a performer.

The 15th day of the first month on the Chinese lunar calendar marking the year's first full moon has been celebrated as the Lantern Festival in China for more than 2,000 years. The Lantern Festival marks the end of the annual Chinese New Year celebrations.

Folk art performances fascinate viewers in anticipation of Lantern Festival

Folk art performances fascinate viewers in anticipation of Lantern Festival

Folk art performances fascinate viewers in anticipation of Lantern Festival

Folk art performances fascinate viewers in anticipation of Lantern Festival

Displaced Kurds in Al-Hasakah, a Kurdish-populated city in northeast Syria, are desperate for a stable life, hoping the latest ceasefire agreement reached between the Syrian interim government and the Kurdish Democratic Forces (SDF) will last longer and bring peace.

On Friday, the Syrian interim government and the SDF inked a comprehensive agreement to halt hostilities and launch a phased integration of military and administrative structures in northern Syria, according to statements released by both sides.

The latest deal follows weeks of intermittent clashes and fragile ceasefire arrangements in northern Syria, during which Damascus expanded its security presence in parts of Raqqa, Deir al-Zour, and Al-Hasakah.

Traffic in Al-Hasakah City is congested as thousands of displaced Kurdish families from Raqqa, Aleppo and surrounding areas are arriving in search of relative safety.

At a school converted into a temporary shelter which houses 37 Kurdish families, 52-year-old Mahmoud depicted years of repeated displacement with his children.

"For three years, we have been forced to flee again and again, moving from house to house, from tent to tent, from one school to another. We want peace and stability. We want to live like other people. I can't even afford a box of medicine. Let them see our sufferings. This is not a life. Our lives are not really lives at all," said Mahmoud, who is a truck driver from Raqqa province and a father of five.

Another displaced resident, Huan Ahmed, fled from a Kurdish neighborhood in Aleppo, fearing clashes in his hometown.

"We need help. We need mattresses. We have nothing. We sleep on thin pads on the floor. Our situation is terrible. It was freezing yesterday, and it is still cold today. We are human beings. There are children, women and sick people here. They can't even afford medicine, let alone food. My children and I are sitting in this room now, sleeping on this mat. We have only three blankets, and nothing else to keep us warm," said Huan Ahmed.

"Let everyone come and see us. We just want safety and stability. Look at our country. Look at us. We are a people without recognition. We long for peace. We hope an agreement can be reached. We want to live together in peace," said Mahmoud.

Displaced Kurds in northern Syria hope for lasting stability, peace