Cities and towns across China are celebrating the approaching Spring Festival with vibrant folk performances, festive activities, and spectacular light displays. From China's north to south, celebration activities are staged with distinctive regional traditions.
In Altay of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, dragon dance parades featured horse riders and performance with Dombra, a traditional music instrument of the local Kazak people. In the Huize Ancient Town of Yunnan Province in southwest China, intangible cultural heritage shows and interactive folk activities in the historic alleys brought visitors a fresh Chinese New Year experience.
Holiday markets have opened nationwide. In Mudanjiang City in Heilongjiang Province in northeast China，a large fair has attracted residents and tourists with festive goods and local delicacies. In Changxing county in east China's Zhejiang province, visitors have been enjoying a traditional "fish and mutton banquet" featuring authentic local Chinese New Year flavors. Meanwhile, in Guangzhou, south China's Guangdong Province, a century-old flower market has been crowded with shoppers seeking to bring springtime blooms into their homes for the holiday.
From urban centers to rural areas, the festive atmosphere permeated day to night. In Beijing, colorful lights adorn 300 sites, ranging from historic landmarks to modern skyscrapers. Shopping districts in Shanghai have featured lanterns with auspicious themes. In Shangrao in east China's Jiangxi Province, residents of an ancient town paraded a 100-meter dragon lantern through historic streets.
This years' Spring Festival falls on Feb 17, ushering in the Year of the Horse, the seventh animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.
China embraces Spring Festival with various folk activities
Anthony Greene, President of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union has extended warm greetings to the vast audience of China Media Group (CMG) for the upcoming Spring Festival and the Year of the Horse.
Greene highlighted the "values of courage, independence, momentum and bold moves" embodied by the horse in Chinese culture, expressing a strong commitment to continued collaboration with Chinese partners to navigate a dynamic global media landscape.
The Spring Festival, also known as the Chinese New Year, falls on Feb 17 this year. It is one of the most important holidays in China, celebrated with family reunions and wishes for good luck in the coming year.
The full text of his message is as follows:
I extend warm greetings as President and Chair of the Board of Directors of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union, the CBU. It is truly an honor and pleasure to have this opportunity to participate in marking one of the most significant annual events.
As the head of the Caribbean's media sector body, I particularly appreciate the partnership with China Media Group and CCTV Video News Agency, which allows me to share this message with one of the largest audiences in the world.
The impending Year of the Horse celebrates the values of courage, independence, momentum and bold moves. These are also important values for the CBU family.
The media sector today has to manage in a dynamic environment, not only navigating technological but also environmental and social changes.
Through collaboration with partners in the Global South and particularly in capacity building, we are better able to achieve common goals boldly, with courage and demonstrating independence.
It is therefore an opportune time to commit to continued collaboration with our colleagues at China Media Group and CCTV Video News Agency, and to extend best wishes for a successful year ahead.
Thank you and Happy New Year！
CBU President extends warm greetings ahead of Spring Festival
