(ECNS) -- “Every moment of the performance was different, giving us a diversity of values and art of the Spring Festival,” said H.E. Ms. Simona-Mirela Miculescu, president of the 42nd session of the UNESCO General Conference, at the "Our Spring Festival" Chinese New Year Gala held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris recently.
More than 1,000 permanent delegates from over 70 countries attended the gala, while UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay delivered a video speech.
Wearing a red dress and a snake-shaped necklace, Miculescu noted that she had carefully chosen her outfit, aware that 2025 is the Year of the Snake in China.
Miquel Iceta Llorens, permanent delegate of Spain to UNESCO also expressed his delight, saying the performance embodies "joy, family, tradition, and the future -- it's everything."
H.E. Laura Andrea Guillem Gloria, permanent delegate of Colombia to UNESCO, echoed Llorens' sentiments, describing the performance as “breathtaking” and recalling her visit to China as one of her best experiences.
When asked about his favorite performance, Ruud Bruijns, supervisor of the Service of Archive and Information at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, said he was particularly captivated by Yu Opera, a traditional Chinese opera form originating from Henan Province.
“Tonight’s performance is really wonderful. It really gives a very beautiful impression of Chinese culture in all its facets, both with contemporary singers and traditional performances,” he added.
Celebrating the inclusion of Spring Festival in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, the Gala featured a vibrant fusion of music, opera, dance, and martial arts, bringing the festive spirit of Chinese Spring Festival to global audience.
As noted by Yang Xinyu, Chinese Ambassador Level Representative to UNESCO, in his speech, the event was not only a cultural celebration of the Chinese nation's traditional festival but also an important platform for sharing the profound essence and unique charm of Chinese culture with the world, while enhancing dialogue, cooperation, and mutual learning among civilizations.
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