The 2025 \"Happy Chinese New Year\" global launch ceremony and gala illuminated Kuala Lumpur on Saturday evening, marking the beginning of worldwide celebrations for the upcoming festival. The event featured a dazzling array of performances by artists from Malaysia, China, and several other countries.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, China's Minister of Culture and Tourism Sun Yeli, and Malaysian Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Tiong King Sing graced the occasion and delivered inspiring speeches, highlighting the cultural significance of the festival and the strengthening ties between Malaysia and China.
The ceremony commenced with the traditional \"dotting of the lion's eyes\" ritual, jointly performed by distinguished guests from both governments, symbolically bringing the lion to life and officially inaugurating the festivities.
Throughout the evening, artists from China, Malaysia, Britain, France, the United States, New Zealand, Egypt, Cambodia, and Kazakhstan shared the stage, showcasing the rich cultural essence of the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival. Their performances created a vibrant and festive atmosphere, embodying the spirit of global celebration and cultural exchange.
The \"Happy Chinese New Year\" celebrations, organized annually by the Chinese Ministry of Culture and Tourism, have been bringing communities together worldwide for 25 consecutive years. This year's festivities hold special significance as the 2025 Chinese New Year will be the first since the festival's inclusion on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The 2025 event promises to be the most expansive yet, with nearly 500 diverse performances and exhibitions planned across more than 100 countries and regions. The global initiative aims to share the joy and traditions of the Chinese New Year with people around the world, fostering mutual understanding and friendship among cultures.
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'Happy Chinese New Year' launch ceremony and gala held in Malaysia
cgtn.com
