The Ministries of Culture from China and Fiji have come together to mark the Spring Festival, fostering a new layer of cultural exchange and celebration between the two nations. The event was organized in collaboration with the China Cultural Centre and featured an array of traditional performances.
Attendees enjoyed a vibrant display of drumming and dances from China’s Shanxi Province, complemented by performances from various local Fijian groups. This cultural amalgamation aimed to emphasize and strengthen the friendship between Fiji and China. Kate Wang, Admissions Officer at the China Cultural Centre, expressed that the event’s primary theme revolved around celebrating this unity. “That’s the topic we want to celebrate, the celebration of Fiji and China together, to make our friendship stronger and to tie our friendship closely,” she said.
Vilimone Vaganalau highlighted the enriching experience of blending Chinese and Fijian cultures, noting similarities in traditions such as singing, drawing, and dancing, which combined to create a profound respect for each culture. Similarly, Qing Ya, a member of the Fiji-Chinese community, remarked on the deep connection to nature and a vibrant spirit exhibited by the Fijian people. “I feel that the Fijian people radiate a kind of enthusiasm and love for life and the earth from the inside out,” she shared, reflecting on the emotive power of Fijian singing, despite any language barriers.
The celebration also marked the Chinese Year of the Horse, represented by themes of diligence, progress, and vitality. This annual event not only brings various cultural expressions to the forefront but also strengthens ties and mutual respect between Fiji and China, suggesting a hopeful future of collaboration and friendship between the two nations.
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