China Daily Global Edition (USA)
Chinese kites give relations a lift at Malta festival
VALLETTA — Primary school students took a break from class as they participated in the 4th edition of the Chinese kite festival held at the Esplora Interactive Science Centre in Malta on Wednesday.
The festival is organized to encourage schoolchildren to celebrate diversity, unity and different cultures through kites.
Wednesday’s event was attended by about 100 primary school students from seven schools, with the highlight being a colorful lion dance performance. There is also kite flying and a kite exhibition that will remain open until Friday. The event is jointly organized by the China Cultural Center in Malta, the Malta Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, the Ministry of Education and Esplora.
Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, president emeritus and chair of the foundation, said the event is dedicated to the history of kite making, which originated in China, and to the use of kites to build peace and educate people about China’s rich cultural heritage. China and Malta have always had a very close relationship, she said.
“Using the kite as a catalyst, it gives us the opportunity to tell young people a bit more about China, to help them understand and get interested in the people of China. This is a way of developing friendship, understanding and respect for each other,” she said.
Emile Vassallo, director-general of the Department for Educational Services at the Ministry of Education, said the kite festival was only an introduction to Chinese culture.
Vassallo told Xinhua News Agency that the festival explored the scientific and artistic aspects of China’s kite culture. He said he expects to see more events and activities of this kind, from which Maltese students could learn more about Chinese culture.
“We look forward to more events and stronger cooperation between our schools and the China Cultural Center,” he said.
The first Chinese kite festival was held in 2018 in the Verdala Palace in Buskett, the summer residence of the Malta president. Due to the COVID19 pandemic, the festival was canceled in 2020. Last year, the third edition of the festival was held online.