STORY: Celebrations for Chinese New Year in various countries
SHOOTING DATE: Feb. 7, 2024
DATELINE: Feb. 8, 2024
LENGTH: 00:04:24
LOCATION: Zagreb/Belgrade/Valletta/Tunis
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of celebrations in Zagreb
2. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ZELJKO REINER, Deputy parliament speaker
3. SOUNDBITE 2 (Croatian): DAVORKO VIDOVIC, Deputy parliament speaker
4. various of celebrations in Belgrade
5. SOUNDBITE 3 (Serbian): TAMARA, Attendee
6. various of celebrations in Valletta
7. various of celebrations in Tunis

STORYLINE:

The Chinese embassy in Croatia on Tuesday held a reception for the Year of the Dragon. 

Two former Croatian presidents, Stjepan Mesic and Ivo Josipovic, attended the reception along with incumbent deputy parliament speakers Zeljko Reiner and Davorko Vidovic.

Over 500 people from all walks of life across Croatia attended the reception.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): ZELJKO REINER, Deputy parliament speaker
"Today, we celebrate new beginnings that will flourish in the year ahead but built on the pillars of the year behind us. This celebration brings to my mind the legend of dialogue between Laozi and Confucius, when the great Confucius compared Laozi with a dragon that rises to the sky, riding on the wings and clouds. This picture urges us to hope for new opportunities in the year 2024."

SOUNDBITE 2 (Croatian): DAVORKO VIDOVIC, Deputy parliament speaker
"Croatia and China have excellent relations. And each year, this cooperation is better and more fruitful. I wish prosperity and progress to a great and friendly China, and to all dear Chinese people: happy New Year, Year of the Dragon."

The Serbian capital of Belgrade on Wednesday evening enjoyed a sophisticated display of intangible cultural heritage from southeast China's Quanzhou.

SOUNDBITE 3 (Serbian): TAMARA, Attendee
"The diversity of the program is truly heartening. It offers an invaluable chance for our community to delve into the rich and profound Chinese culture. I am thrilled to participate in this cultural dialogue and experience such a vibrant event."

The Confucius Institute at the University of Malta on Wednesday night held celebrations for the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, featuring Chinese folk music, dance, singing and martial arts performance.

About 100 attendees gathered at the university to celebrate the Year of the Dragon, which begins on Feb. 10. 

The audience offered warm applause to the captivating performances. The gala ended with a group rendition of the Chinese song "Descendants of the Dragon."

Tunisia's Confucius Institute held a Chinese language tournament award ceremony in Tunis on Wednesday in the presence of a large audience.
   
At the event, co-organized by the Higher Institute of Languages (ISLT) at the University of Carthage, prizes were awarded to the winners of several competitions, including the translation tournament, the 2023 Confucius Cup for Best Chinese Language Essay, the short film prize and the Confucius Prize for Chinese Writing.

Tunisian students who learn Chinese language and Chinese students at the ISLT participated in the award ceremony, during which singing, dance performances, poetry readings, essays on classical Chinese literature, and traditional Chinese calligraphy were presented.

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Zagreb, Belgrade, Valletta, and Tunis.
(XHTV)