Chinese embassy, consulate in Germany hold Spring Festival receptions

The Chinese Embassy in Germany and the Chinese Consulate General in Munich held receptions to celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year, featuring artistic performances and the display of the promotional video of China Media Group (CMG)'s Spring Festival Gala.

The Spring Festival, which falls on Feb 17 this year, is one of the most important holidays in China, celebrated with family reunions and wishes for good luck in the coming year, the Year of the Horse.

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 Feb 16.

At the two receptions, which were held, respectively, by the embassy on Wednesday and by the consulate general on Friday, Chinese ambassador to Germany Deng Hongbo and Chinese consul general in Munich Qiu Xuejun delivered speeches. They reflected on China's significant achievements over the past year and highlighted the progress of China-Germany exchanges and cooperation.

The two diplomats extended warm New Year greetings and best wishes to overseas Chinese, students, employees of Chinese-funded enterprises, and friends from all walks of life in Germany, while acknowledging their contributions in fostering China-Germany friendship and deepening stronger people-to-people ties.

The promotional video of the CMG 2026 Spring Festival Gala was screened at the receptions to add a festive atmosphere and boost cultural exchanges between the two countries. With the dynamic pacing and rich imagery, the promotional video blended traditional cultural elements with modern aesthetics, showcasing the innovative vitality of traditional culture in contemporary expression.

Performances by a troupe from central China's Hubei Province featured a variety of artistic forms, including dance, traditional opera, folk music, vocal performances, martial arts and magic shows. These programs integrated regional cultural elements, folk customs, and New Year's atmosphere, presenting the diverse charm and contemporary vitality of Chinese traditional culture.

The Deutsche Oper's male choir also performed a classic song at the embassy reception, sharing the stage with the Chinese programs. The interplay of Chinese and German artistic elements created a festive and lively atmosphere during the event.

Chinese embassy, consulate in Germany hold Spring Festival receptions

Chinese embassy, consulate in Germany hold Spring Festival receptions

The Orthodox Easter ceasefire with Ukraine announced by Russian President Vladimir Putin began on Saturday afternoon and will continue until Sunday midnight.

On Thursday, Putin announced a ceasefire to mark the Orthodox Easter holiday from 16:00 Moscow time (13:00 GMT) on April 11 until the end of April 12.

The Russian Orthodox Church welcomed the move.

Russia's Defense Minister Andrei Belousov and Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces Valery Gerasimov were instructed to halt all combat operations along every front during this period.

Troops must be prepared to thwart any possible provocations by the enemy, as well as any of its aggressive actions, the Kremlin said in a previous statement.

Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatyana Moskalkova said that the truce would enable stepped-up efforts to evacuate the wounded and search for missing people.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Kiev would honor the ceasefire as well.

Ukraine will adhere to the ceasefire and respond in a strictly reciprocal manner, Zelensky wrote on X.

Last year, an Orthodox Easter ceasefire also announced by Putin was in place from 18:00 local time (15:00 GMT) on April 19 until the end of April 20. According to the Russian Defense Ministry, 4,900 violations of the ceasefire by the Ukrainian side were recorded during that time.

Orthodox Easter ceasefire announced by Putin takes effect, to last through Sunday