By Joyce-Yinan Zhao
As the Lantern Festival (Yuanxiao Jie) marks the grand finale of Chinese New Year celebrations, South Africa has embraced this festival with vibrant festivities, dazzling lights, and growing appreciation for Chinese culture. This year, the CMG Johannesburg Bureau has brought an immersive experience to local audiences, blending tradition with modern spectacle in an unforgettable celebration.
Spring Festival Gala Broadcast at Johannesburg Airport
For the first time, Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport joined the global celebration by broadcasting the CMG Spring Festival Gala live, allowing travellers from all over the world to experience China’s biggest annual TV event. The airport’s digital screens showcased the grand performance, featuring dazzling dance, music, and cultural performances, bringing a festive atmosphere to one of Africa’s busiest travel hubs.
“The New Year spirit was truly in the air,” said a Chinese traveller at the airport. “Seeing the Spring Festival Gala while waiting for my flight made me feel like I was celebrating at home.”
The live screening of the gala is a symbol of China-South Africa cultural exchange, connecting people through shared moments of joy and celebration.
The Leonardo Lights Up in Festive Glory
Adding to the excitement, a breathtaking Lantern Festival light show illuminated The Leonardo, South Africa’s tallest building, painting Johannesburg’s skyline in auspicious red. The vibrant display, featuring the CMG Spring Festival Gala’s signature elements and Chinese New Year blessings, drew crowds from across the city.
“This is more than just a light show—it’s a bridge between cultures,” said Azola Mabinza, a South African cultural ambassador. “It’s wonderful to see South Africa and China sharing traditions in such a grand and visible way.”
Spring Festival Gala and Chinese Films Captivate South Africans
Alongside the Lantern Festival, Chinese cinema is making waves in South Africa. The latest Chinese epic, "Creation of the Gods II", has soared to the top of the South African foreign film box office, drawing a diverse audience eager to experience Chinese mythology and storytelling.
“Watching this movie was a window into a fascinating culture,” said Johannesburg moviegoer Nicholas Statheros. “The visual effects, the story, and the action—it’s an incredible introduction to China’s rich history.”
Meanwhile, CMG’s Spring Festival Gala promotional video played across major South African cities, from Mandela Square in Johannesburg to Cape Town and Durban, bringing the energy and warmth of Chinese New Year to a broader audience.
Lantern Festival: A Night of Lights, Unity, and Joy
The Lantern Festival symbolises family reunions, good fortune, and hope for the new year. Traditionally, people light lanterns, solve riddles, and enjoy glutinous rice balls (tangyuan), symbolising unity and happiness.
This spirit of celebration echoed through various community events in South Africa, including martial arts performances, traditional dance showcases, and tea culture demonstrations. Cape Town’s Chinese cultural hubs hosted a mesmerizing dragon dance, while the Durban Confucius Institute organized a cultural fair featuring calligraphy and Chinese music.
“Seeing South Africans engage with these traditions is truly heartwarming,” said a local Chinese resident “Festivals like these bring people together, regardless of background.”
A Growing Cultural Bond
The growing enthusiasm for Chinese festivals in South Africa reflects a deepening cultural exchange between the two nations. From light shows on iconic skyscrapers to Chinese films dominating cinemas, the spirit of the Lantern Festival continues to shine brightly, fostering friendship and mutual appreciation.
As the Lantern Festival lights fade, the connections forged through these celebrations remain, illuminating the path for further collaboration and cultural dialogue between China and South Africa.
* Joyce-Yinan Zhao currently serves as the Acting Bureau Chief and Chief Correspondent of the CMG Johannesburg Bureau. With extensive experience working and reporting across the African continent, she has developed deep insights into the economic, cultural, and social cooperation between China and Africa. Drawing on her profound understanding of local cultures and her professional journalistic expertise, Joyce-Yinan Zhao is committed to presenting Africa’s authentic voices and remarkable stories to a global audience, while contributing to a broader media platform for China-Africa engagement.
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.