STORY: Chinese New Year festivities kick off in Athens
SHOOTING TIME: Feb. 4, 2024
DATELINE: Feb. 5, 2024
LENGTH: 00:01:13
LOCATION: Athens
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the event
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (Greek): LINDA JIN, Dancer
3. various of the event
4. various of athletes Greek Martial Arts Association performing
5. SOUNDBITE 2 (Greek): NEFELI, Athlete of Greek Martial Arts Association
6. various of Nefeli, an athlete of Greek Martial Arts Association

STORYLINE:

Hundreds of people gathered on Sunday at an amusement park in Athens to have fun together and exchange wishes, as the week-long Chinese New Year festivities kicked off in the Greek capital.

Bright red ornamental lanterns and an exhibition of photographs depicting the beauty of China welcomed visitors at the park. 

The event featured Chinese folk music, dance and martial arts performances, with delicacies.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Greek): LINDA JIN, Dancer
"We want to show Chinese culture mixed with other kinds of dance."

Nefeli, 18, has been practicing Chinese martial arts for 4 years. She showcased her skills at the event. 

SOUNDBITE 2 (Greek): NEFELI, Athlete of Greek Martial Arts Association  
"I wish a Happy New Year with health and joy for all."

The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, has been officially listed as a UN floating holiday in its calendar of conferences and meetings as from 2024.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Athens.
(XHTV)