Nausori Plaza hosts Chinese New Year
THE Chinese Cultural Centre in Fiji held the ‘Happy Chinese New Year 2024” launching ceremony at the newly constructed Nausori Plaza last Saturday.
The event marked the preliminary eve of the Chinese New Year.
This year marks the year of the ‘Loong’ or Chinese dragon, the mythical creature symbolises power, strength, and good fortune.
The ceremony included the fair of the “Year of the Loong” and there were 20 stalls where artists, gourmets, and vendors from China and Fiji showcased their products.
Also, part of the event was the “Launching Ceremony of the 2024 Year of the Loong Stamp” which the Chinese Cultural Center in Fiji and Post Fiji collaborated on.
There was also an opening ceremony of Qindao Woodcut Chinese New Year Painting with additional Chinese and Fijian songs and dance performances by Mata Dance Group.
Chief guest, President Ratu Wiliame Katonivere, said the event depicted the country’s cultural diversity.
He commended the Chinese Cultural Center of Fiji for hosting this year’s event at the shopping hub of the three provinces: Tailevu, Naitasiri, and Rewa.
He said it was also an opportunity for the people of Fiji to witness Chinese culture.
The head of state also had the opportunity to launch the 2024 Year of the Loong stamp that will be sold at every Post Fiji outlet.
Councillor of the Embassy of the Republic of China to Fiji, Ma Guoliang, also reflected on China’s achievements with the Coalition Government.
He said 2024 also marked the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
Mr Ma reaffirmed China would work hand in hand with Fiji to implement the consensus between the two countries’ leaders.
He said the New Year’s Fair was the embodiment of the friendship between Fiji and China.