A grand dragon and lion dance parade and fireworks shows were staged on Saturday in the Chinatown of The Hague, Netherlands, with nearly 10,000 locals celebrating the Chinese New Year.
Accompanied by traditional Chinese instruments of gongs and drums, dragon and lion dance troupes in colorful costumes weaved through the bustling streets, attracting countless eyes, along with fireworks lit to add more luster to the most important Chinese festival.
Mayor of The Hague Jan van Zanen extended his best wishes for the Chinese New Year at the event, saying that the Chinese community in the city has built a bridge of understanding between the two peoples.
On Sunday, a cultural fair was also held in Suva, the capital of Fiji, to celebrate the Spring Festival. The event, themed "Happy Chinese New Year, Embracing the Chinese New Year," brought together thousands of Fijian Chinese, local residents, and international tourists to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Horse.
The event not only featured multiple cultural performances, but also included booths showcasing traditional handicrafts and folk cultures from both countries.
Interactive activities such as Chinese calligraphy workshops, paper-cutting lessons, and displays of Hanfu costumes -- a style of Han Chinese clothing worn more than 2,000 years ago, allowed the public to experience the charm of traditional Chinese art up close amid a strong festive atmosphere.
Netherlands, Fiji hold cultural events to celebrate Spring Festival
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Sunday that most parts of the country remained calm and were operating normally following the death of drug lord El Mencho in a military operation.
"There is absolute coordination with the governments of all states; we must remain informed and calm," the president said in a post on X.
Mexican military forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias "El Mencho", the founder and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during an operation on Sunday in the western state of Jalisco.
The operation took place in the municipality of Tapalpa and was confirmed by senior military officials. Mexican media described it as a major blow to one of the country's most violent and powerful criminal organizations.
The country's defense ministry said a shootout left Oseguera seriously injured and he died during an air transfer to Mexico City. The ministry noted that U.S. authorities had provided "complementary information".
Since early Sunday, a heavy deployment of federal security forces has been reported across the region. Road blockades and vehicle burning were recorded in Jalisco and neighboring states.
Similar incidents involving torched vehicles and highway blockades were also reported in Tamaulipas and Oaxaca, causing disruption to residents.
Oseguera Cervantes, originally from the state of Michoacan, reportedly began working as an avocado picker before entering drug trafficking. He had long been one of Mexico's most wanted fugitives, with the United States offering a reward of up to 15 million U.S. dollars for information leading to his capture.
Mexico says calm prevails after death of Drug Lord El Mencho
