STORY: Chinese New Year celebrated worldwide
SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage
DATELINE: Jan. 27, 2025
LENGTH: 00:02:42
LOCATION: DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania/Cape Town South Africa/Abuja/YANGON, Myanmar/Kuala Lumpur/Singapore
CATEGORY: CULTURE

SHOTLIST:
1. various of Chinese New Year celebrations
2. various of the event hosted by the Confucius Institute at the University of Dar es Salaam
3. SOUNDBITE 1 (English): JOSEPH KAHAMA, Secretary General, Tanzania China Friendship Promotion Association
4. various of the event at Victoria and Alfred Waterfront in Cape Town, South Africa, for a vibrant Chinese New Year gala
5. SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ZAINODIRE DAWOOD, Student at the University of Cape Town
6. various of the event hosted by the China Cultural Center in Abuja, Nigeria
7. SOUNDBITE 3 (English): MUHAMMAD SULAIMAN, Participant
8. various of the Chinese New Year celebrations in Singapore
9. various of the Chinese New Year celebrations in Yangon, Myanmar
10. various of the Chinese New Year celebrations in Kuala Lumpur

STORYLINE:

The year 2025 marks the first Spring Festival since its inclusion on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Across the world, Chinese New Year celebrations have captivated audiences with vibrant events, bringing people together in a shared appreciation of the festival's rich heritage.

In Tanzania, the Confucius Institute at the University of Dar es Salaam hosted a vibrant reception featuring traditional music, martial arts, and Chinese cuisine.

SOUNDBITE 1 (English): JOSEPH KAHAMA, Secretary General, Tanzania China Friendship Promotion Association
"In the spirit of strengthening Tanzania-China friendship at the people-to-people level, something that we do on a daily basis, we humbly ask all of you present here today to include in your New Year of the Snake resolutions to strengthen your cooperation between Tanzanians and Chinese counterparts."

In Cape Town, South Africa, thousands gathered at Victoria and Alfred Waterfront for a vibrant Chinese New Year gala.

SOUNDBITE 2 (English): ZAINODIRE DAWOOD, Student at the University of Cape Town
"It's something that brings people together and people are able to exchange their cultural backgrounds and celebrate their differences. It brings us all together even though we are so vastly different from other sides of the world and, as you can see here, everyone's having a great time. Have a great Year of the Snake!"

In Abuja, Nigeria, the China Cultural Center hosted a celebration featuring vibrant performances that blended Chinese and Nigerian cultures. Attendees were also treated to traditional Chinese dishes such as dumplings and noodles.

SOUNDBITE 3 (English): MUHAMMAD SULAIMAN, Participant
"What actually stood out for me is the idea that you can have two nations, their people stand side by side, with the most common goals and objectives. And if you see the crowd today, if you see the array of food and all of the performances, you will know that today marks a different stage."

Singapore's China Cultural Center marked both the Chinese New Year and 35 years of diplomatic ties between China and Singapore with a special gala. The event featured traditional Chinese music and martial arts demonstrations, with over 200 attendees joining the festivities.

In Yangon, Myanmar, the Bowen Chinese School hosted an event at the National Theater. Here, students performed traditional songs, dances, and poetry recitations.

In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, the 2025 "Happy Chinese New Year" global launching ceremony and gala showcased performances by artists from China, Malaysia, Britain, France, the United States, and other countries. 

Spring Festival customs are now celebrated in nearly 200 countries and regions, with almost 20 nations designating it as an official public holiday. 

Each year, around one-fifth of the global population takes part in this cherished tradition. 

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Dar es Salaam, Tanzania/Cape Town South Africa/Abuja/Yangon, Myanmar/Kuala Lumpur/Singapore.
(XHTV)