A traditional Chinese folk dance themed on orchids enchanted audiences during the China Media Group (CMG)'s Spring Festival Gala which ushered in the Year of the Snake on Wednesday, creating a serene and captivating atmosphere during the festive celebrations.
The grand television show has integrated traditional culture with innovative means to entertain audiences on the eve of the Chinese New Year, with many memorable on-stage performances featuring during the annual variety show.
The orchid has been a favorite flower of the Chinese people since ancient times, as it embodies a quiet, modest character and symbolizes strength and resilience.
The gala performance, which was given by dancers from the Zhejiang Conservatory of Music, enthralled viewers with its subtle, rhythmic movements and smooth, graceful transitions.
With the Spring Festival's recent inscription onto UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list, this year's gala integrated more elements of intangible cultural heritage to create a cultural feast for global audiences.
The gala, also known as "Chunwan", was first broadcast back in 1983 and is seen as a major cultural symbol for the traditional Spring Festival celebrations in China.
Recognized by the Guinness World Records as the world's most-watched annual TV program, the hours-long television extravaganza attracts over a billion views every year.
Orchid-themed dance performance enchants viewers during Spring Festival Gala
Chinese embassies and consulates around the world have hosted vibrant celebrations for the Spring Festival, the most important holiday in China.
Also known as Chinese New Year, the festival marks the beginning of the lunar new year and is a time for family reunions, cultural festivities, and well-wishing.
This year, it fell on January 29, ushering in the Year of the Snake -- the sixth animal in the 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle.
The Chinese Embassy in Pakistan marked the grand festival with captivating artistic performances and immersive folk culture experiences.
"I'm truly happy to be here this evening, Excellency. I know this is an event in which family and friends get together to celebrate the coming of a new year with tidings of greater peace, prosperity, and achievement ahead of them," said Syed Tariq Fatemi, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs.
At the Spring Festival reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria, people from all walks of life took part in Chinese cultural experience activities, including tea art, printmaking, and calligraphy. A children's chorus and martial arts performances also earned rounds of applause. 。 In Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, a celebratory event marked the most important festival on the Chinese calendar. Jointly organized by institutions such as the Chinese Embassy in Venezuela and the Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the event featured singing, orchestral performances, and Chinese folk art displays.
"Today, we celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Chinese people. I wish you all happiness and prosperity. This year is the Year of the Snake, representing wisdom, tenacity, and creativity," said Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil.
The Chinese Consulate General in Sao Paulo, Brazil, celebrated the Spring Festival with a reception attended by hundreds of guests from the political, academic, and business sectors of Sao Paulo State, along with representatives from Chinese-funded institutions and the overseas Chinese community.
At the Spring Festival reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Mauritius, more than 600 guests, including Mauritian President Dharam Gokhool and his wife, Vice President Robert Hungley, the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Foreign Minister, and other officials, attended the event.
Chinese embassies, consulates mark Spring Festival with festive activities
Chinese embassies, consulates mark Spring Festival with festive activities