Political figures send Spring Festival greetings to Chinese people

Prominent political figures around the world have extended their warm greetings to China and the Chinese people, expressing hopes for happiness and prosperity in the Year of the Horse as Spring Festival, which falls on Feb 17, is just around the corner.

"On behalf of the Cuban Communist Party, the government and the people of Cuba, I extend my warmest greetings to you. May happiness and good health be with you, and may China enjoy prosperity," said Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel in a video address.

Speaking at the reception held by the Chinese Embassy in Thailand in Bangkok on Wednesday, Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said he hopes the bilateral ties will keep strengthening in the new year.

"Happy Chinese New Year. I wish you great fortune in the Year of the Horse and all the best. May China-Thailand friendship remain ever fresh and grow even closer," he said.

Cypriot President, Nikos Christodoulides, said he wishes Chinese people good health and expects China to achieve greater development in the new year.

"On the auspicious occasion of the Chinese New Year, it is with great pleasure that I convey my warmest greetings and those of the government and people of the Republic of Cyprus for good health, prosperity, and continued progress to the People's Republic of China and its people," he said.

The Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, is the most important traditional holiday for Chinese people. It falls on the first day of the first month of the Chinese calendar and involves a variety of social practices to usher in the new year, pray for good fortune, celebrate family reunions and promote community harmony. It has been inscribed into the List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the UNESCO in 2024.

Political figures send Spring Festival greetings to Chinese people

Lion dances and lantern displays have illuminated Spring Festival celebrations across China, lifting festive spirits and drawing crowds while boosting domestic tourism.

The Spring Festival, which falls on Feb. 17 or Tuesday this year, marks the start of the Chinese New Year. This year ushers in the Year of the Horse, the seventh of the 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac.

In Zhanjiang City, south China's Guangdong Province, a series of folk activities have been launched to mark the holiday. Among the highlights, a vibrant lion dance bursting with color has energized the festive atmosphere and left spectators with an unforgettable experience.

The Guangdong Lion Dance, also known as Xingshi, is a cultural treasure that combines martial arts, dance and music. Originating in Guangdong, it is performed during festivals and major celebrations to bring good luck, ward off evil spirits, and symbolize strength, courage and prosperity.

Meanwhile in Sanya City, south China's Hainan Province, lanterns have been lit to welcome the Year of the Horse as the island embraces full Spring Festival mode. Lanterns, a centuries-old tradition across China, symbolize family, prosperity and hopes for a bright new year.

Crowds also gathered for one of the most spectacular attractions, the molten iron fireworks show, where artisans heat iron until molten and hurl it into the air, creating showers of sparks. Once a ritual to pray for safety and good harvests, the tradition has become a crowd favorite during the holiday season.

Lion dance, lanterns brighten China's Spring Festival celebrations