Chinese New Year celebrated with fanfare in Nigeria

ABUJA: JAN. 28 – The Chinese community in Nigeria held a carnival-like celebration Thursday here to mark the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year of Tiger.

The event, organized by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, witnessed a large turnout of Chinese citizens, Nigerian officials, and students.

The gathering was the first of a series of events to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, which falls on Feb. 1 this year.

The revellers, gathering at the China Cultural Center in the central business area of Abuja city, were enthralled by various Chinese art performances, including the traditional Chinese dragon and lion dances.

The joyous celebration was spiced up by local troupes and school art groups who performed various Nigerian dances, aside from the Chinese songs and dances at the event.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Cui Jianchun told Xinhua the celebration was to mark the beginning of good things, such as strength, braveness, and ambition.

Spring Festival has gained popularity in most cities in Nigeria due to the sense of anticipation and excitement shared by the Chinese community in the most populous African country. The festival is celebrated every year.

Spring Festival celebrations are emblematic of the cultural tradition and heritage as well as aesthetic aspirations of the Chinese nation, abounding in distinctive Chinese symbols of great emotional appeal.

-Xinhua