By Xinhua writers Xu Feng, Zhang Boning, and Wu Lu
EDINBURGH, Britain, July 16 (Xinhua) — Over 800 performers from around the world, including approximately 280 from China, brought vibrancy to Scotland’s capital as the annual Edinburgh Festival Carnival commenced on Sunday.
Scotland’s largest and most exuberant multicultural event showcased music, dance, costumes, massive puppets, and circus acrobatics in Princes Street Gardens, with Edinburgh Castle as the backdrop.
The performers began their procession in Princes Street Gardens, cheered on by thousands of spectators. They subsequently took turns entertaining the audience at the central Ross Theater, an open-air concert venue in Princes Street Gardens.
Various performances presented by the Chinese community in Edinburgh, such as festive dragon and lion dances, vibrant ethnic dances, invigorating drumming, and awe-inspiring swordplay, garnered enthusiastic applause.
Cinthia Medrado, a local resident among the audience, praised China’s dragon dancing, stating, “It’s beautiful. The movement is very fluid.” Medrado added, “The carnival is about learning about different cultures, respecting and celebrating. It’s nice to witness such diverse activities.”
Chinese Consul General in Edinburgh Zhang Biao stated, “Civilizations are enriched through exchanges and mutual learning. The Edinburgh Festival Carnival provides a platform for cultural exchanges and mutual learning. With its long history and splendid culture, China has much to showcase here.”
The carnival, an annual event organized by the Edinburgh Jazz and Blues Festival, which began in 1978, marks the start of Edinburgh’s Summer Festival season. This season encompasses a series of festivals from mid-July to the end of August.
Zhao Chunze, a graduate student specializing in Dance Science & Education at the University of Edinburgh, expressed her delight with the warm reception from the audience during her Han-Tang Classical Chinese Dance performance. Zhao said, “I’m thrilled to showcase China’s traditional dance culture on such a global stage. It’s important for people to understand the diverse range of dances in China and experience the joy of sharing.”
Credit: The Star : News Feed
