Chinese embassies in some African countries have held receptions to welcome the Chinese New Year in the past few days, bringing together senior officials, diplomats and other guests to watch artistic performances with Chinese characteristics and promotional videos of China Media Group (CMG)'s Spring Festival Gala .
The Spring Festival, which lands on Feb 17 this year, is the most important holiday in China, celebrated with family reunions and wishes for good luck in the coming year. This year's Spring Festival marks the beginning of a Year of the Horse -- the seventh of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac.
Watching the Spring Festival Gala on television is a cherished part of the celebrations in hundreds of millions of Chinese homes. The gala will be broadcast live around the world on the Chinese New Year's Eve on February 16.
In Lome, capital of Togo, the Chinese embassy received more than 500 guests at its Chinese New Year reception held on Monday. The event also marked the China-Africa Year of Cultural Exchange.
Among the attendees were Gilbert Houngbo, Togo's former prime minister, and other senior figures. The promotional video of CMG 2026 Spring Festival Gala was displayed during the event, adding to the festive mood.
"This year is a Year of the Horse. The horse symbolizes endurance, perseverance and pureness. The galloping horse symbolizes the good steps forward for development. China has become a key driver of the global economy, and we Africans see China's prowess a model," said Hunaké Kossiwi, president of the University of Lome.
The Chinese Embassy in Morocco also hosted a Chinese New Year reception on Wednesday at the Mohammed V Theater in the country's capital Rabat.
Chinese Ambassador Yu Jinsong welcomed about 1,500 guests, including Moroccan officials, cultural figures and overseas Chinese, with a performance with the theme of "Happy Spring Festival and Charming Silk Road."
The promotional video of CMG 2026 Spring Festival Gala was also screened at the event to add festive atmosphere and boost cultural exchanges between the two countries.
"This year is the Year of the Horse on the Chinese lunar calendar. There's a Chinese saying that means the horse is running toward triumph, or 'ma dao cheng gong' in Chinese. I wish China prosperity and further achievements, and I hope everyone experiences greater success in the coming Year of the Horse," said Mohamed Khalil, president of the Morocco-China Friendship and Exchange Association.
Chinese embassies in Togo, Morocco celebrate Chinese New Year with receptions
Chinese embassies in Togo, Morocco celebrate Chinese New Year with receptions
