Galloping Horse Greets the New Year - De Montfort University Confucius Institute Hosts Year of the Horse Spring Festival Celebrations

From February 21 to 22, the Confucius Institute at De Montfort University (DMU CI) co-hosted a series of grand celebrations for the Year of the Horse Spring Festival in the city center of Leicester, UK. Supported by the Leicester City Council, De Montfort University, and various local partners, the event successfully attracted over a thousand citizens, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere of cultural exchange.

The festivities commenced on February 21 at Highcross, the city’s primary shopping center. DMU CI presented five themed cultural performances, including a Hanfu show that traced the historical evolution of traditional Chinese attire, and inspiring and festive songs like Gong Xi Fa Cai and A Smile is Beautiful. The program also featured graceful Chinese dances and a martial arts presentation of Tai Chi and Mulan Fan, which showcased the harmonious blend of traditional sports and artistry. Alongside the stage, interactive cultural workshops allowed residents to experience traditional crafts such as Chinese knotting, horse-themed bracelets and lanterns, and 春(Spring) character paper-cutting.

The celebration reached its climax on February 22 with traditional lion dances and a grand dragon parade through the city center. Director Zhang Yi of the Confucius Institute opened the day’s events with a speech extending New Year greetings to the citizens of Leicester and expressing appreciation for the community’s support. As the dragon dance troupe proceeded along the city’s main thoroughfares, the rhythmic sound of gongs and drums drew more than a thousand spectators. Many attendees actively engaged with the parade through photography and interaction, demonstrating a profound interest in Chinese festival culture.

Through this diverse array of activities, the Year of the Horse celebrations effectively highlighted the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture, further enhancing the understanding and appreciation of these traditions among the local community. Moving forward, the DMU Confucius Institute will continue to serve as a vital link for deepening cultural exchanges and people-to-people ties between China and the United Kingdom.