STORY: Chinese New Year celebrated in Laos
SHOOTING TIME: Jan. 29, 2025
DATELINE: Jan. 30, 2025
LENGTH: 00:03:07
LOCATION: Vientiane
CATEGORY: SOCIETY

SHOTLIST:
1. SOUNDBITE 1 (Lao): ANOUSALA LUANGPASEUTH, Vientiane resident
2. SOUNDBITE 2 (Lao): SOUKSAKHONE VANTHANAVY, Vientiane resident
3. SOUNDBITE 3 (Lao): CANDY SANACHITH, Vientiane resident
4. various of people celebrating the Chinese New Year in a temple in Vientiane

STORYLINE:

In Vientiane, the capital of Laos, residents have come together to celebrate the Chinese New Year.

They share heartfelt wishes for a year ahead filled with prosperity, happiness, harmony, and good health.

SOUNDBITE 1 (Lao): ANOUSALA LUANGPASEUTH, Vientiane resident
"Hello. My name is Anousala Luangpaseuth. We celebrate the Spring Festival every year.
On New Year's Eve, we hold an ancestor worship ceremony at home, and on the first day of the new year, we go to a Chinese temple to offer incense and pray for blessings. The elders also give us red envelopes. Every year, we buy traditional Chinese clothing to wear for the celebrations.
This year is the Year of the Snake. I wish everyone good luck, good health, and a prosperous year ahead!"

SOUNDBITE 2 (Lao): SOUKSAKHONE VANTHANAVY, Vientiane resident
"Hello. My name is Souksakhone Vanthanavy, and I am 13 years old. I was born in the Year of the Dragon.
Every year, I celebrate the Spring Festival with my family. On New Year's Eve, we visit our relatives for a reunion dinner, and I always look forward to receiving red envelopes from friends and family-it makes me so happy!
Then, on the first day of the new year, my parents take me to the Chinese temple to offer incense and pray for blessings. I wish everyone good luck in the Year of the Snake!"

SOUNDBITE 3 (Lao): CANDY SANACHITH, Vientiane resident
"Hello. My name is Candy Sanachith, and I am 10 years old. I was born in the Year of the Sheep.
On New Year's Eve, I had a reunion dinner with my family and watched the fireworks. On the first and second days of the new year, there are many fun activities at home, like receiving red envelopes and gifts.
This year, I'm very happy to celebrate the new year with my family. I wish everyone good health. May all your wishes come true. Happy New Year!"

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Vientiane.
(XHTV)