With the Chinese New Year now recognized as a United Nations holiday, grand “Happy Chinese New Year” celebrations have unfolded globally, engaging Chinese communities and people from diverse countries to revel in the festivities and share the richness of Chinese culture. The Estonian edition of the “Happy Chinese New Year” event, orchestrated by Beijing for the fifteenth consecutive year, unfolded from February 9th (Lunar New Year’s Eve) to the 10th (Lunar New Year’s Day) in the Mustamäe and Rotermann districts of Tallinn, the capital city. This event showcased the allure of outstanding traditional Chinese culture and conveyed New Year blessings for the Year of the Loong in Estonia, while sharing beautiful aspirations for the future with the world.
On the eve of the Lunar New Year, February 9th, a unique Beijing “Minor Spring Festival Gala” unfolded with enthusiasm at the Theatre of Mustamäe Cultural Center Kaja. The gala highlighted the characteristics of the Spring Festival and the Year of the Loong, featuring a fusion of traditional and modern dance performances, captivating folk music, and melodious vocal ensembles.
On the first day of the Lunar New Year, February 10th, the spectacular performances from Beijing continued at the commercial square of the Rotermann district. The frigid outdoor temperature at -15 degrees Celsius did not dampen the enthusiasm of the Tallinn residents who enthusiastically joined in. Chinese Ambassador to Estonia Guo Xiaomei and President of the Estonian Olympic Committee Urmas Sõõrumaa took the stage to convey New Year greetings on behalf of both nations. The Beijing Shun Yuan Xiang Art Troupe and the Estonian Wushu Kungfu Federation (EWKF) delivered a breathtaking opening performance. Two golden loongs swiftly emerged from the crowd, circled the square, and finally ascended to the outdoor stage to collaboratively present “Double Loongs Playing with the Pearl”. The resounding applause and cheers from over ten thousands spectators resonated through the air.
For fifteen consecutive years, the “Happy Chinese New Year” event from Beijing has been a perennial showcase of the quintessence of traditional Chinese festive culture for the people of Estonia, gaining widespread popularity within the Estonian community. It has made significant contributions to cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between the two countries.