Chinese Mission to UN holds Spring Festival celebration in New York

The Chinese Permanent Mission to the United Nations (UN) hosted a "Galloping forward with the UN" celebration at the UN headquarters in New York recently to welcome the Year of the Horse.

The venue was decorated with lanterns and traditional ornaments, creating a joyful holiday atmosphere inside the UN headquarters. During the event, robots showcasing "intelligent manufacturing in China" interacted with guests through rhythmic dances and by writing the Chinese character "fu," symbolizing good fortune, adding a lively and interactive touch to the celebration.

Permanent representatives to the UN, officials and guests from different sectors extended their New Year greetings and shared wishes for peace and prosperity in the year ahead.

"Happy New Year, wishing you peace, friendship and solidarity. It's wonderful to see the New Year being celebrated at the UN," said UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed.

"We are moving to the New Year of the Horse and moving to spring. And with that approach, I want everyone to be in peace and great happiness. Thank you for keeping this major and beautiful tradition. Happy New Year," said Movses Abelian, Under-Secretary-General for the UN General Assembly and Conference Management.

Diplomatic representatives from various nations also expressed their hopes for a prosperous year ahead.

"I wish a prosperous China, a stronger China and happier people for the Chinese people," said Du Hong Viet, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN.

"All the best for our brothers and sisters from China, all the best and we deserve all good things in the world," said Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, Permanent Representative of Cuba to the UN.

Chinese Mission to UN holds Spring Festival celebration in New York

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