The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, in collaboration with the China International Culture Organization and the Zhengzhou Municipal People’s Government, hosted the 2024 Mid-Autumn Festival on Thursday at the China Cultural Center in Abuja. This annual celebration marks the end of the harvest season and is symbolized by the full moon, representing completeness and reunion.
The event drew a distinguished audience, including Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of the China Cultural Center; Zhao Hengkang, Vice Secretary General of the Zhengzhou Municipal People’s Government; and Zainab Ali Biu, Director of International Cultural Relations at the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy. Other notable attendees included Prof. Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, Director of Contemporary Africa-China Research, and Muhammad Sulaiman, President of the China Alumni Association, along with leaders from Chinese enterprises in Nigeria, embassy officials, and members of the diplomatic community.
In his welcome address, Counselor Yang Jianxing emphasized the significance of the Mid-Autumn Festival, celebrated on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month. He noted that the festival, which has a history of over a thousand years is a time for families to gather, enjoy traditional mooncakes, and admire the full moon, symbolizing reunion and harmony.
Yang further elaborated on the festival’s broader implications, connecting the Chinese concept of family reunion to a global perspective of caring for others.
“This sentiment is particularly relevant as China strengthens its ties with Africa. Earlier this month, during the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, President Xi Jinping announced ten partnership actions aimed at modernization, expressing a commitment to collaborative development with African nations, including Nigeria,” he stated.
In her remarks, Patricia Ebiene Robert, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, represented by Zainab Ali Biu suggested that Nigeria and China could enhance cultural exchange through exhibitions, film festivals, and performances that showcase the talents of artists, musicians, and filmmakers.
“These initiatives will create deeper connections between our peoples and highlight shared values and experiences,” she said.
She also advocated for expanding educational opportunities through scholarships and exchange programs in arts and culture, allowing students and young professionals to immerse themselves in each other’s cultures and fostering a new generation of cultural ambassadors. She emphasized the potential for collaboration in the creative and entertainment industries, including film, television, fashion, and design.
The festival featured a captivating array of performances, showcasing Zhengzhou’s Shaolin Kungfu, Quju and Yuju operas, alongside talented Nigerian musical troupes. Attendees also enjoyed a lecture on medicinal cuisines, the drinking of Chinese tea, and an exhibition of Chinese cultural items.
See photos below:
