CGTN launches horse-themed creation challenge to celebrate upcoming Spring Festival

China Global Television Network (CGTN) has launched an 'All Things Horses' challenge event to celebrate the upcoming Chinese zodiac Year of the Horse, inviting people across the globe to showcase their artistic talents with horse-themed creations and join the celebration of culture and creativity.

Participants can sketch their dream horses, write out "horse" in their own language, or craft any horse-inspired creation, and share their unique take on the horse by using #AllThingsHorses and tagging @CGTN.

The Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, falls on February 17, 2026, marking the beginning of the Year of the Horse. It is one of the most important traditional festivals in Chinese culture, with core customs such as celebrating family reunions, wishing for good fortune and creating traditional crafts.

CGTN launches horse-themed creation challenge to celebrate upcoming Spring Festival

CGTN launches horse-themed creation challenge to celebrate upcoming Spring Festival

CGTN launches horse-themed creation challenge to celebrate upcoming Spring Festival

CGTN launches horse-themed creation challenge to celebrate upcoming Spring Festival

CGTN launches horse-themed creation challenge to celebrate upcoming Spring Festival

Demonstrators from civil groups, labor unions and other communities in South Africa rallied outside the U.S. Consulate in Johannesburg on Friday, denouncing U.S. unilateral military actions against Venezuela and voicing solidarity with the Latin American nation.

They gathered along the street in front of the consulate, carrying banners that read "Hands Off Venezuela" and "Stop Imperialism," chanting slogans against U.S. hegemony and aggression.

"We are here to protest the U.S. threats to global peace, the abduction of President Nicolas Maduro Moros of Venezuela, which was done in violation of international law, in violation of territorial integrity of Venezuela, of course, in violation of national sovereignty of Venezuela," said Solly Afrika Mapaila, general secretary of the South African Communist Party.

In the early hours of Jan. 3, the United States carried out a military strike against Venezuela and captured President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, taking them to the United States.

Some protesters said the crisis in Venezuela shows how geopolitical struggles have direct and immediate effects on ordinary people's lives.

"Venezuela belongs to the people of Venezuela and nobody else. For American belligerent and colonial aggression, quite frankly, is not just something very distant. Never before have questions of geopolitics been of immediate and direct relevance and direct and immediate impacts on the day-to-day lives of ordinary people, as you are seeing today," said Mametlwe Sebei, president of the General Industries Workers Union of South Africa (GIWUSA).

Placards at the rally blended English and Spanish slogans, while some demonstrators sang liberation songs from South Africa's anti-apartheid era to express solidarity. Passing motorists slowed in front of the consulate, honking in support.

Defying the summer heat, the crowd remained spirited and resolute, their chants echoing along the street in a clear call for an end to foreign interference and respect for Venezuela's sovereignty.

South Africans rally in solidarity with Venezuela against U.S. aggression

South Africans rally in solidarity with Venezuela against U.S. aggression

South Africans rally in solidarity with Venezuela against U.S. aggression