"Happy Spring Festival" celebrations have unfolded in many countries, with vibrant cultural events sharing the festive spirit of the Spring Festival and introducing elements of Chinese culture to the global audience.
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.
A celebration was held at the National Centre for Culture and Arts (NCCA) in Amman, Jordan, where young singers and artists from China and Jordan joined hands on stage to perform classic works that blend the cultural elements of both countries.
"China showcases its culture and fine traditions to the world by holding Spring Festival celebrations every year. This year's activities in Jordan are building a cultural bridge, which not only promotes cultural exchanges between Jordan and China but also enhances cultural mutual learning between China and Arab countries," said Zeina Barhoum, a Jordanian opera singer.
In Addis Ababa,the 2026 Ethiopia Chinese New Year Bazaar was held recently to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival.
Nega Wedajo, deputy commissioner of Ethiopia's Oromia Tourism Commission, elaborated on the importance of the horse in Ethiopian society, emphasizing the similarity between Ethiopian and Chinese cultures.
"This year is the [Year of the Horse]. In Oromia culture the horse means everything, so it's a sign of a victory. I would like to wish a happy and successful year for all our Chinese brothers," said Wedajo.
The Chinese Embassy in Myanmar hosted Chinese New Year celebrations at the National Theater in Yangon on Thursday and Friday. More than 2,000 people, including Chinese Ambassador to Myanmar Ma Jia and Myanmar's Prime Minister U Nyo Saw, attended the event.
During the event, the venue's plaza turned into a bustling Chinese cultural fair, with booths offering traditional Chinese foods, handicrafts, customs, and interactive experiences such as horse drawing.
During his visit to the China Media Group's booth, U Nyo Saw learned about the 2026 Spring Festival Gala and its creative offerings.
The gala, set to be aired on Chinese New Year's Eve on Feb 16 this year, will combine traditional Chinese culture with modern stagecraft, as well as cross-cultural performances featuring international artists. Commonly known as "Chunwan" in Chinese, the gala has been broadcast live every Chinese New Year's Eve since 1983 and has been recognized by Guinness World Records as the most-watched annual television program on the planet.
He also extended his warm greetings to Chinese people worldwide.
"On the occasion of the Spring Festival, I wish the Chinese people around the world a happy and healthy new year," said U Nyo Saw.
Meanwhile, the 2026 "Happy Spring Festival" concert was recently held at the National Theatre of Panama. The event attracted over 1,300 guests, including Chinese Ambassador to Panama Xu Xueyuan, as well as representatives from various sectors of Panamanian society, Chinese enterprises and institutions in Panama, media personnel, Chinese teachers, overseas students, and members of the Chinese community.
Artists from China and Panama performed together, initiating a musical dialogue between tradition and modernity, East and West, and presenting a cultural feast for the audience.
Festive celebrations held worldwide as Chinese New Year approaches
