Belfast welcomed in the Chinese New Year this week with a series of spectacular performances by the Guizhou Acrobatic Troupe.
Presented by the Chinese Consulate, in partnership with the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Translink, the incredible performance at Belfast’s Grand Central Station by the eight-member troupe was performed in the central atrium of the new station for invited guests and the public to enjoy.
Among those present for the 45-minute performance were Chinese Consul General Li Nan as well as members of the local Chinese community, school children and representatives from the arts community.
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The troupe, which also gave a short performance earlier in the day at Belfast City Hall, are in Northern Ireland as part of a UK-wide tour to mark the Chinese New Year of the Snake.
Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, is one of the most important events in the Chinese calendar. Celebrating the end of winter and the beginning of spring, it is traditionally held when the new moon appears between 21 January and 20 February. In Chinese culture, the snake is a symbol of intelligence, wisdom, and charm.
Consul General Mr. LI Nan, said: “This year's Happy Chinese New Year is the very first edition since the end of the Covid-19 pandemic. We are delighted to see the cultural exchange brand come back to Northern Ireland once again! Belfast is well-known for its cultural diversity and artistic vitality. When Happy Chinese New Year meets with Belfast, it will certainly make the local people feel the blessings of the Chinese New Year.
“The Happy Chinese New Year brand has a history of more than 20 years, the ACNI has long been committed to promoting culture and the arts, I deeply believe that this event, jointly organized by the Chinese Consulate General in Belfast, the ACNI and Translink, will certainly contribute to the colourful local culture and diverse indigenous arts.”
He added: “The Spring Festival is initiated by China, but is being celebrated around the whole World. The Spring Festival is a huge public cultural product that China offers to the World. The Chinese Consulate General in Belfast would like to take the occasion to focus on cultural and people-to-people exchanges in collaboration with the ACNI to boost bilateral relationships between China and Northern Ireland.
“As a famous Chinese saying goes, friendship between the people leads to good relations between countries and nations. I do hope that by co-hosting Happy Chinese New Year , the hearts of the Chinese people and the people of Northern Ireland can be brought closer together! Finally, I sincerely wish the people of Northern Ireland a happy and prosperous Year of the Snake!”
Video by Belfast Live videographer Harry Bateman.
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