A Global Celebration: Spring Festival Highlights and Cultural Exchanges in 2025
The Spring Festival of 2025 brought a vibrant tapestry of cultural celebrations, artistic performances, and global exchanges, as captured in a stunning collection of press photos by Xinhua. From traditional lantern displays in China to the rhythmic beats of Chaoyang Yingge dance in Germany, the festivities showcased the rich diversity of cultural heritage and the spirit of unity across borders.
In Tancheng County of Linyi, east China’s Shandong Province, two girls adorned in traditional costumes marveled at lanterns during the Spring Festival holiday on January 31. The scene, captured by photographer Zhang Chunlei, encapsulated the timeless charm of chinese New Year traditions.
Simultaneously occurring, in Frankfurt, germany, a woman engaged wiht a member of the Yingge team during a Spring festival temple fair.The team, hailing from Shantou in south China’s Guangdong province, brought their unique Chaoyang Yingge dance to the international stage. this art form, blending drama, dance, and martial arts, offered a “rich cultural feast” to friends from around the world, as described by Xinhua.
Back in China, tourists in Fengnan District of Tangshan, Hebei Province, were treated to a live-action drama, adding a modern twist to the holiday celebrations.The event highlighted the fusion of traditional and contemporary entertainment during the festive season.
Beyond China, the Spring Festival spirit resonated globally. In Kotte, Sri Lanka, a bird soared gracefully at diyasaru Park on february 1, symbolizing the harmony of nature and culture. In Bangladesh, an aerial drone photo captured the annual Muslim congregation Bishwa Ijtema in Tongi, near dhaka, on January 31. The gathering, attended by thousands, underscored the importance of faith and community during this time of year.In Fuzhou, southeast China’s Fujian Province, the Xingxian string lion dance team prepared for a performance on January 30.The Huotong String Lion Dance, a unique folk art from Ningde, involves controlling lion puppets with strings.Recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage in 2006, this art form continues to captivate audiences with it’s intricate movements and cultural significance.
The global celebrations also extended to the sports arena. In Toronto, Canada, Ayo Dosunmu of the Chicago Bulls faced off against Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors during the 2024-2025 NBA regular season game on January 31. The match, captured by photographer Zou Zheng, highlighted the universal appeal of sports as a unifying force.
| Event | Location | Date | Highlights |
|——————————–|—————————-|—————-|——————————————————————————–|
| Lantern Display | Tancheng County, China | January 31 | Traditional costumes and lanterns |
| Chaoyang Yingge Dance | Frankfurt, Germany | January 31 | Cultural exchange through drama, dance, and martial arts |
| Live-Action drama | Tangshan, China | January 31 | Modern entertainment during the Spring Festival |
| Bishwa ijtema | Tongi, Bangladesh | January 31 | Annual Muslim congregation attended by thousands |
| String Lion Dance | Fuzhou, China | January 30 | National intangible cultural heritage performance |
| NBA Game | Toronto, Canada | January 31 | Chicago Bulls vs.Toronto Raptors |
These moments, immortalized by Xinhua photographers, remind us of the power of culture, tradition, and shared experiences to bring people together. Whether through dance,drama,or sports,the Spring Festival of 2025 was a testament to the enduring spirit of celebration and connection.
