Namibia Celebrates Chinese New Year, the Year of Dragon

By Uaueza Kanguatjivi

DECORATED with a sea of red lanterns and an assortment of traditional artefacts, creating a festive atmosphere, the Chinese Spring Festival (New Year) Gala was celebrated on January 20.

The gala was hosted by the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Namibia (CGCCIN).

The event was attended by the Chinese Ambassador to Namibia, Zhao Weiping, as well as distinguished guests such as Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations, and Employment Creation Utoni Nujoma, Minister of Justice Yvonne Dausab, Namibian Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China Elia Kaiyamo, Chairperson Jiang Bo, Executive Chairperson Zhang Ying, Chinese Community Leaders, and media members. The evening’s highlight was an enthralling performance of traditional lion and dragon dances, which symbolized the joyful arrival of the Chinese New Year. Ambassador Weiping and Minister of Labour Utoni Nujoma engaged in the symbolic gesture of pinning the dragon’s eyes, signaling the start of the happy festivities.

Ambassador Weiping conveyed New Year wishes on behalf of the Chinese Embassy in Namibia, wishing all attendees a prosperous Year of the Dragon, a joyous Spring Festival, good health, and success in all their activities. The event not only celebrated the cultural diversity of the Chinese Spring Festival but also instilled a spirit of solidarity and joy in the various attendees.

The cultural feast proceeded with fascinating gala performances by well-known singers Fen Lan Guang and Wen Xiaolu and a dynamic singing and dance performance by Namibian star Blossom.

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