Chinese New Year is widely observed as the world celebrates the Year of the Rabbit

The Chinese New Year, which happened on January 22, was enthusiastically celebrated across the world, from Thailand and Serbia to New Zealand and the United States.

Receptions and gatherings have taken place. Historic structures have been illuminated in red. Dragon and lion dances, as well as red lanterns and other decorations portraying the rabbit – 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit according to the Chinese Zodiac – may be found in most regions of the world.

Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha praised the centuries-old connection between Thailand and China while attending a Chinese New Year ceremony in Ratchaburi Province.

According to Prayut, China has lately perfected its COVID-19 policy, and the Thai people are ready and anxious to witness the return of Chinese visitors. This year, several Thai cities, including Bangkok and Phuket, conducted “Happy Chinese New Year” events with rich content and distinctive features.

Although the Chinese New Year is not yet a national holiday in Cambodia, it is extensively observed, with certain schools, private businesses, and organisations closing for the event.

According to Sambo Manara, vice president of Cambodia’s Pannasastra University, the Chinese New Year has grown in popularity in the kingdom due to the two nations’ close political, economic, and cultural relations.

“Many Cambodians have Chinese ancestors, and we calculate that around 80% of Cambodians in urban areas and 40% in rural areas celebrate Chinese New Year.,” he told Xinhua.

According to its organiser, the Culture Bridge, a Chinese New Year worldwide gala night, the third of its kind, was held online on Saturday to commemorate the festive occasion and promote Chinese culture abroad.

“The Chinese New Year worldwide gala night itself served as a venue for creative and cultural interaction, with artists and performers from many nations and races,” said Jie Min, Culture Bridge director.

The three-hour extravaganza comprised well-known and classic Chinese songs and acts such as martial arts demonstrations, Chinese crosstalk, traditional music instrument demonstrations, and Peking Opera.

President Faustin-Archange Touadera of the Central African Republic hosted a lavish Chinese New Year event in the Presidential Palace for the first time, with over 300 people in attendance.

Touadera hoped that the two nations’ relations will become stronger in the coming year.

In Kenya, the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi hosted a Chinese New Year celebration.

During the celebrations, students sang traditional Chinese opera, played a ring toss game, practised Chinese calligraphy, and attempted Chinese martial arts.
The set of events is viewed as a bridge in promoting mutual understanding between Chinese and Kenyan people, allowing participants to experience the essence of traditional Chinese culture.

Serbians and overseas Chinese celebrated the Chinese New Year in Belgrade on Saturday with fireworks, lion dances, and a food fair.

Hundreds of people attended the centre event at Belgrade’s Kalemegdan Fortress, including Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic and Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Chen Bo, who were all amused by lion dancers flown in from China.

“On behalf of our people I wish you (China and Chinese people) good health, luck and many new economic successes,” Brnabic added, offering to further enhance the “iron-clad friendship” between the two nations.

The message “Happy Chinese New Year” was beamed from the Belgrade Tower, the Balkans’ highest structure.

Diners in the United Kingdom visited the lantern-decorated Chinatown in London and took pictures to commemorate the Year of the Rabbit.

Edinburgh, Scotland, commemorated the Chinese New Year with a variety of events and activities, including concerts, a light show, and opportunity for people to practise Chinese calligraphy.

“We host the greatest Chinese New Year events in Scotland here in Edinburgh for people to get involved, have a wonderful time, and properly greet this new year of wealth and good luck, the Year of the Rabbit.,” said Robert Aldridge, the city’s mayor.

Across the Atlantic, the Empire State Building, a well-known landmark in New York City, was lighted red for the 23rd year in a row beginning Friday evening.

“We are glad to send our best wishes to the whole Chinese community in the United States, throughout the world, and especially in China.,” said Tony Malkin, chairman, president, and CEO of Empire State Realty Trust, at the ceremony, which also saw the unveiling of the Fifth Avenue Window Exhibition.

Tourists may also purchase panda toys, red envelopes, candy, textiles, and Chinese-style fans at an Empire State Building booth on the 86th level.