Belgrade celebrates Chinese New Year with festivities

China

Belgrade celebrates Chinese New Year with festivities

2026-02-22 17:29 Last Updated At：21:57

Belgrade, the capital of Serbia, has celebrated the Chinese New Year for the eighth consecutive year, highlighting the growing cultural ties between Serbia and China. This year's festivities included markets, fireworks and the symbolic opening of a new Chinatown area in the Serbian capital.

The Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, fell on Feb. 17 this year, ushering in the Year of the Horse, the seventh animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac.

Celebrations began at Belgrade Waterfront, where officials and residents gathered beneath Serbia's tallest tower to welcome the Year of the Horse, on Feb. 16, the Chinese New Year's Eve. The evening featured lion dances, cultural performances and Chinese cuisine, drawing large crowds despite cold winter weather.

"By the way, we, in Serbia, enjoy Chinese food. I had the opportunity to try Chinese food for the first time some 30 years ago when I ate it with two roommates from China. I visited China twice, and I really enjoy Chinese food, especially when it's like this -- spicy. So here you see how great it is. (he eats Chinese food) This speaks more than any word," said Serbian Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management Dragan Glamocic.

Despite rain and cold weather, hundreds gathered in Belgrade's new Chinatown to celebrate on Feb. 17. The celebrations featured a temporary stage at the Belmax Center, providing a party of music, dance and food for people to get acquainted with Chinese culture.

David Huang, director of Belmax Center, expressed satisfaction with the turnout.

"We are quite happy with the turnout considering the temperature and the rain. The amount of people decide to show up, we are very pleased. And this shows a great friendship between Serbia and China. That they are interested in our culture and participating in this activity," he said.

These events reinforce the welcome extended to the Chinese community in Serbia and their willingness to integrate and share customs with locals.

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