By Cremilda Macuácua, China Africa News
BEIJING / ZIMBABWE, February 25, 2026 — Organizers in Zimbabwe have staged the country’s first Spring Festival Carnival, drawing local residents, cultural performers and members of the Chinese community into a vibrant celebration of the Lunar New Year. Lantern displays, traditional music, dance performances and interactive cultural exhibitions have marked the event, as participants engaged directly with Chinese customs and festive traditions.
Spring Festival gala broadcasts and cultural exchange activities have also connected audiences across China and Africa, reinforcing the holiday’s growing international reach. The celebrations have showcased calligraphy, traditional cuisine, symbolic decorations and artistic performances, creating a shared festive space that extends beyond national borders.
According to the article published by CGTN, the Spring Festival China’s most significant traditional holiday has increasingly become a global cultural bridge. Rooted in centuries-old traditions centered on family reunions, ancestral remembrance and seasonal renewal, the festival now serves as a platform for cultural exchange between China and African nations.
As written by CGTN, 2026 marks the Year of the Horse, specifically the Fire Horse, a zodiac symbol traditionally associated with vitality, resilience and forward momentum. The article notes that these qualities reflect the broader trajectory of China–Africa relations, which continue to expand through trade cooperation, diplomatic engagement and people-to-people exchanges.
The report highlights perspectives from both Chinese and African scholars who observe shared cultural foundations between the two regions. According to CGTN, themes such as reverence for ancestors, strong family bonds, communal celebration and renewal resonate across cultures, helping explain the festival’s positive reception within African communities.
Beyond the festivities, CGTN situates the celebrations within a wider economic and diplomatic framework. The year 2026 is described as significant in China–Africa relations, with expanded tariff-free access for African exports to China and strengthened bilateral cooperation marking new milestones. In this context, the Spring Festival is presented not only as a cultural observance, but as a symbol of deepening partnership.
Through carnival events, gala broadcasts and community participation, CGTN portrays the Spring Festival as a living conduit of cultural diplomacy where tradition, symbolism and shared celebration continue to strengthen ties between China and Africa
