The Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi hosted a major celebration in Kenya’s capital on Friday to mark the upcoming Spring Festival.
The event not only commemorated the Lunar New Year but also showcased the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening international relationships.
In addition to the Chinese community in Kenya, the celebration attracted hundreds of attendees, including government officials, diplomats, scholars, and students, underscoring the importance of cross-cultural engagement between the Chinese and Kenyan communities.
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, Margaret Jesang Hutchinson, described the Chinese New Year as more than just a festival, stating that it symbolizes unity, tradition, and respect for cultural diversity.
“We are privileged to stand alongside our Chinese friends in commemorating this important occasion,” she said in a speech delivered on her behalf by Prof. Francis Mulaa, the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, Innovations, and Enterprise at the University of Nairobi.
According to Jesang, UNESCO’s recent decision to inscribe the Spring Festival on its Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity reflects the profound cultural heritage of the Chinese people and underscores the significance of cultural exchange and mutual understanding in fostering peaceful coexistence.
“This global acknowledgement highlights the importance of cultural exchange and mutual understanding in fostering peaceful coexistence,” she added.
Minister Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Nairobi, Zhang Zhizhong, commended the Kenyans who graced the celebrations. He highlighted the fact that many of the performers showcasing Chinese cultural practices were locals. He said their mastery of the East Asian nation’s traditions demonstrates the integration of Chinese culture with African culture.
The gala featured a variety of cultural performances, including traditional dragon and lion dances, opera, and calligraphy. Local university students participated enthusiastically, showcasing their talents in various traditional art forms.
“We can hear the Chinese sounds sung by African voices. This is where we see the coming together of civilizations, which is the true meaning of the Global Civilisation Initiative (GCI),” he remarked.
The Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi was the first of its kind to be established in Africa, 20 years ago. Since then, many learners have joined the institute to study the Chinese language.
Zhang praised the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi (UoN), particularly its crucial role in strengthening Kenya-China diplomatic relations. He also acknowledged the commitment of Chinese teachers in Kenya, led by the institute’s director, Wang Shangxue, to teaching the Chinese language and culture.
The celebration, themed “The Golden Snake is Dancing, Good Luck is Coming,” reflected the cultural significance of the Year of the Snake in the Chinese zodiac. According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the Spring Festival will be celebrated on January 29 this year, marking the start of the Year of the Snake. In traditional Chinese culture, the snake represents agility, wisdom, and vitality.
