The 2024 Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival, hosted by the Chinese Cultural Centre and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Abuja, marked a significant milestone in Nigeria-China relations.
Cultural Counsellor and Director of the China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing, highlighted the festival’s importance, noting it’s a time for family reunions, lantern-making, and baking mooncakes.
Yang Jianxing emphasized the 15th day of the 8th lunar month as the midpoint of autumn, where families gather for dinner, admire the full moon, enjoy mooncakes, and make wishes for peace, unity, and happiness.
The event showcased the potential for elevated Nigeria-China bilateral relations, with Yang Jianxing stressing the importance of Comprehensive Strategic Partnerships.
Deputy Secretary-General of Zhengzhou Municipal Government, Zhao Hengkang, noted the Mid-Autumn Festival as an opportunity for China to express its cultural ties with Nigeria and other countries.
Speakers at the event highlighted the mutual benefits of strengthened partnerships through cultural exchanges and collaborations.
Proposed initiatives include art exhibitions, film festivals, and performances showcasing artists’, musicians’, and filmmakers’ talents.
The event’s highlight was the breathtaking display of performances and dances, including the Shaolin Kung Fu show, orchestrated by the Zhengzhou delegation. Attendees included friends of China, diplomatic community members, government officials, and academia.
This cultural exchange reinforces Nigeria and China’s commitment to strengthening ties, as previously demonstrated in the 2023 Cultural Fiesta Dancing Competition.
