DUBAI: The Fifth Grand Parade of “Happy Spring Festival” was kicked off at the Burj Khalifa Park in Dubai on Saturday, attracting hundreds of overseas Chinese and local residents to enjoy the lively Spring Festival atmosphere at the scene.
As part of the series of activities marking the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE, the four-day event features art performances, special presentation, traditional culture and high-tech demonstration, and delicacies and game experience.
Chinese Ambassador to UAE Zhang Yiming said that he hopes the event will serve as a window for Emiratis to better understand Chinese culture and therefore enhance mutual understanding.
“On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the UAE, this year’s Grand Parade of ‘Happy Spring Festival’ now debuts at this park which is home to the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa. I think this event itself manifests global influence of t
he Spring Festival — the most important festival for the Chinese. It also reflects the high level of bilateral relations between China and the UAE,” Zhang said.
The parade involves 25 formations grouping representatives from the Overseas Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Chinese institutions and enterprises in the UAE, local enterprises and schools.
To mark the 40th anniversary of the China-UAE diplomatic ties, every formation consists of 40 performers.
On each day of the event, visitors can also taste a variety of food, participate in various games or attend other cultural activities.
“I believe that in Dubai, the Chinese Spring Festival, Chinese folk customs, Chinese culture and our products will be liked and accepted by more and more people from different countries,” said Li Xuhang, Consul General of China in Dubai.
The promotional video for the 2024 China Media Group (CMG) Spring Festival Gala is also repeatedly played on the big screen, attracting many visitors to stop and watch.
On February 9, the Chi
nese New Year’s Eve, the 2024 CMG Spring Festival Gala will be broadcast on the screen outside of Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest indoor shopping malls.
In addition, the Spring Festival Gala light show will be displayed on the Burj Khalifa for three consecutive nights from February 7 to 9.
Traditionally the grandest occasion for family reunion in China, the Spring Festival is in the start of the Chinese Lunar New Year. The Spring Festival is also observed by Chinese communities abroad. This year’s Lunar Chinese New Year’s Day falls on February 10.
Source: Emirates News Agency