NAIROBI, Feb. 8 (Xinhua) -- Kenya on Sunday celebrated the 2026 Chinese New Year Gala in Nairobi, bringing together dignitaries including senior government officials, diplomats, industry leaders, and hundreds of local and foreign visitors.
The day-long event, held at Two Rivers Mall, featured cultural performances such as dragon and lion dances, contemporary music, and showcases of Chinese costumes and cuisine.
Rebecca Miano, Kenya's cabinet secretary for tourism and wildlife, said celebrations marking the Chinese New Year provide an opportunity for the local community to immerse themselves in the richness of Chinese culture, arts and heritage.
"Celebrating the Spring Festival uplifts the human spirit while fostering cross-cultural understanding, harmony, respect and renewal," Miano said. Her remarks were delivered by John Ololtuaa, principal secretary of the State Department of Tourism in Kenya's Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife.
Highlighting the longstanding bonds between Kenya and China, Miano said that the two countries share a past and future defined by mutual respect, friendship, cultural exchanges and win-win economic partnerships across diverse sectors such as tourism.
Guo Haiyan, the Chinese ambassador to Kenya, said the Spring Festival reflects the Chinese people's pursuit of harmony between humanity and nature, as well as goodwill among all.
"Spring Festival has become a global cultural event that brings joy to people worldwide," Guo said, adding that nearly 20 countries recognize it as an official holiday, and about one-fifth of the world's population in nearly 200 countries and regions celebrate the Lunar New Year in various forms.
She said Chinese and African civilizations have long inspired each other and laid a solid foundation for enduring friendship. "Today's Chinese New Year Gala is a vivid example of profound communication and exchanges between the two sides," she said.
The year 2026 has been designated as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges. "Cultural dialogue and mutual learning have always been vital forces for human progress and peace," Guo added. ■