The bustling city of Abu Dhabi shimmered with festive spirit as the Middle East Station of China Media Group (CMG) hosted the UAE session of the \"Prelude to the Spring Festival Gala: Global Celebration\" on Sunday. The event marked a significant moment in the lead-up to the Chinese New Year, bringing together cultures and communities in a harmonious celebration.
Shen Haixiong, vice minister of the publicity department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and president of CMG, addressed the gathering via video message. He emphasized the global recognition of the Spring Festival, noting how CMG's Spring Festival Gala, now in its 42nd year, has become an indispensable cultural \"New Year's Eve dinner\" for over a billion Chinese people. \"It's not just a show; it's a shared cultural memory and a spiritual home for Chinese communities worldwide,\" Shen expressed.
This year's gala holds special significance as it is the first since the Spring Festival was recognized as an intangible cultural heritage. Shen highlighted that CMG would leverage its advanced broadcasting capabilities in 82 languages and cutting-edge technologies like \"5G+4K/8K+AI\" to deliver a vibrant and festive cultural feast. \"We aim to spread happiness and prosperity to audiences at home and abroad, showcasing the rich flavors of Chinese culture while uniting people around the world in this cherished tradition,\" he added.
Zhang Yiming, the Chinese ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, also spoke at the event, underscoring the importance of the Spring Festival Gala in Chinese New Year celebrations. \"The gala is a unique cultural symbol and an emotional bond for people worldwide,\" Zhang said. He emphasized that bringing the gala to the UAE allows the nearly 400,000 Chinese expatriates and diaspora in the country to feel the warmth and care of their homeland. \"It also provides Emirati citizens with an up-close opportunity to experience and understand Chinese culture through this special window,\" he noted.
The event in Abu Dhabi not only strengthened cultural ties between China and the UAE but also showcased the spirit of unity and shared joy that the Spring Festival embodies. As communities around the world prepare to welcome the Chinese New Year, events like these highlight the growing global appreciation for Chinese traditions and foster cross-cultural understanding.
Reference(s):
CMG holds 'Prelude to the Spring Festival Gala' event in Abu Dhabi
cgtn.com
