Kenya’s University of Nairobi hosted the country’s first ever Chinese Spring Festival Gala on Saturday.
Showcasing a number of traditional and contemporary Chinese performances, the event gave Kenyans an insight into Chinese culture.
The event also marked the establishment of the Kenyan Chinese Troupe, which falls under the guidance of the Chinese Embassy in Kenya and trains a number of Chinese and Kenyan performers.
Under the name “Silk Road – Same Root Same Dream”, the festival turned the University campus red and gold as performance after performance delighted the sell-out crowd, and brought both Chinese and Kenyans together.
“It feels awesome to witness the Gala because we get to know more people, more Chinese people,” Brenda Akinyi Odanga, a Student at Nairobi’s Confucius Institute said.
A number of performers at the event also sounded their delight at the possibilities the event could bring.
“This is a very good opportunity for people, both Chinese and African, to celebrate our Spring Festival, and I also hope that we can introduce our Chinese culture to the locals,” said Zhang Jianchao, an Emcee for the Gala.
Event organiser, Ms. Bao Ping, who also sits as the Chairwoman of the Chinese Women United Organisation, told CGTN: “We held the first session of the Chinese Spring Festival Gala in order to let more Kenyan friends get interested in Chinese traditional culture.”
Kenya’s Chinese Spring Festival Gala is a testament to the increasing relationship between both China and Kenya – showing not only the increase in economic ties, but also cultural.
