VIENTIANE, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- As the Chinese New Year arrives, the rhythms of drums mingle with laughter in the streets of Laos, heralding the Year of the Horse.
The streets of Lao capital Vientiane are buzzing with excitement as lion dance troupes parade through the city, their drums and cymbals echoing along the way and capturing the attention of passersby. The festive energy fills the air, drawing residents and visitors into the celebrations.
"During this period, the city feels alive and vibrant. Walking through the streets, you can hear the drums and cymbals of the lion dance troupes. It really makes you feel the excitement in the air," Poupe, a resident of Vientiane, told Xinhua on Tuesday.
For Poupe, the lion dance is the highlight of the festival. Although not part of a Chinese family, she finds joy in the celebrations, remarking, "Chinese New Year is a celebration of fortune, and I think everyone enjoys it."
Some Lao residents join friends and relatives in family gatherings, hanging decorations, sharing meals, and exchanging red envelopes. Alex, another resident of Vientiane, said he enjoys this time of the year, celebrating the festival with his friend, a Lao citizen of Chinese descent.
"I was invited to help set up the house with red banners and lanterns. We shared a meal together and even exchanged red envelopes. It felt warm and inclusive," he said.
The festival is an opportunity to appreciate Chinese traditions while strengthening community bonds, creating shared memories, and fostering unity across cultures, said Pouna, an office worker in Vientiane.
"Celebrating this festival allows us to appreciate our Chinese friends' culture and traditions...It truly feels like a celebration that crosses cultural boundaries," Toto, a vendor in Vientiane, said. ■