Across several European countries, concerts, galas, lantern riddle solving, fairs, and exhibitions were held to celebrate the highly anticipated Chinese Lantern Festival. The festival, which occurs on the fifteenth day of the first month of the Chinese lunar calendar, signifies the end of Chinese New Year festivities and marks the arrival of spring. This year, the Lantern Festival fell on a Saturday.
In Oxford, United Kingdom, the Oxford Chinese Students and Scholars Association organized a gala to celebrate the Year of the Dragon and the Lantern Festival. The event featured cultural performances such as lion dance, martial arts displays, folk music and dance, Sichuan Opera face-changing, and a cappella. Around 1,000 attendees enjoyed the diverse performances, with the Lord Mayor of Oxford, Lubna Arshad, praising the enriching cultural contributions of Chinese friends in Oxford.
A standout moment at the gala was a Chinese-style stand-up comedy performance known as “Xiangsheng,” which incorporated Chinese poems and translations to entertain the audience. Comedian Shyshov Yegor, a Ukrainian with over 15 years of residency in China, highlighted how Xiangsheng not only brings joy but also fosters cultural understanding between different cultures.
Meanwhile, in Antwerp, Belgium, a Chinese Spring Festival fair with over 30 booths showcased Chinese food, martial arts, calligraphy, Tai Chi, and Hanfu displays. Co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Belgium and overseas Chinese societies, the fair attracted nearly 2,000 residents, overseas Chinese, and tourists.
At the International Carnival and Mask Museum in Binche, Belgium, the Happy Chinese New Year of the Dragon exhibition featured artistic interpretations of Chinese dragons by 41 artists. The exhibition, running until March 31, provided insights into the diverse representations of the mythical creature.
In Slovakia, a Lantern Festival party on Friday evening brought together 200 attendees for activities like lantern riddle solving, Chinese character writing, and making sweet glutinous rice dumplings known as yuanxiao or tangyuan. At the Chinese Embassy in Bulgaria, an award ceremony for a lantern drawing contest recognized the creativity of students from various art schools across the country.
Avelina Nikolova from Sliven, a prize recipient at the event, expressed how it was an exciting and educational experience that deepened her understanding of Chinese culture. In Malta, two Chinese Lantern Festival concerts featuring traditional Chinese music captivated audiences with classic songs such as “Give Me a Rose” and “Moonlight over the Spring River.”
The China Broadcasting Performing Arts Troupe’s performance in Valletta received a standing ovation, showcasing the cultural exchange between China and Malta. Mary Ann Cauchi, director of Funding and Strategy for the Arts Council Malta, emphasized how the Chinese festival has become a popular event that promotes the convergence of two ancient civilizations.
