New Year Lantern Festival Celebrations at China Mart
A traditional Chinese New Year Lantern Festival, a celebration of lights, laughter and ancient traditions, was held at China Mart in Budapest on Feb. 24 and was, according to its organizers, a resounding success.
The event drew thousands of people eager to partake in the vibrant festivities marking the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations.
Among the many customs of a lantern festival, one of the most cherished is the tradition of solving mysterious lantern riddles.
For centuries, these riddles have been the centerpiece of the Lantern Festival, providing entertainment, intellectual stimulation and opportunities for connection. Each lantern holds a hidden message, offering a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Chinese culture and folklore. Knowledge is passed from generation to generation, fostering a sense of unity and cultural pride.
In addition to the lantern riddles, there was an exhibition of paintings by local Chinese youths, all related to the theme of Chinese New Year and celebrations. A few days before the event, 211 wildfires were burning in Guizhou Province, China. The organizer of the Budapest Lantern Festival, the Guizhou Chamber of Commerce in Hungary, decided to donate all the proceeds from the charity auction to the people in the affected areas.
Dragon Dance
Highlights of the evening included a series of stunning performances, including Peking Opera, Chinese folk songs, a Chinese orchestra performance, and Hungarian folk dance. There was even a dragon dance that weaved through the crowds and interactive activities that engaged adults and children alike.
“The festival not only celebrated Chinese culture but also fostered a sense of community and cultural exchange in Budapest,” the organizers told the Budapest Business Journal.
“The event’s success was made possible by the efforts of the organizers, volunteers, and the community’s enthusiastic participation. It set a precedent for future cultural celebrations in China Mart and other local Chinese communities and contributed to the growing multicultural tapestry of Budapest.”
International sponsors of the event included W Hotel, Dorothea Hotel, the British Chamber of Commerce in Hungary, Budapest Business Journal, Peng Ge Learning Center and Okiko Restaurant.
Guizhou Chamber of Commerce in Hungary
Guizhou Chamber of Commerce in Hungary says it is the first of the many Chinese chambers in Hungary to embrace internationalization and chamber exchanges.
Robert Zou (Shunpeng Zou), the executive president of the Guizhou Chamber of Commerce in Hungary, says he has been actively exchanging ideas with the American, British, Canadian and other chambers of commerce over the years, seeking to work together to create a better business environment and to find opportunities to come together.
“There will be many more opportunities for international cooperation in the future, and we welcome all companies, organizations or individuals who seek to cooperate and exchange ideas with Chinese companies or the local Chinese community. I believe that, together, we can build a more prosperous and vibrant international business community in Hungary,” Zou says.
This article was first published in the Budapest Business Journal print issue of March 8, 2024.
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