With dragons, lions, and many good wishes, the “Year of the Dragon” was heralded in The Hague.
On Feb. 24, the VNC celebrated the national celebration of Chinese New Year together with the Chinese community in the Netherlands.
This year was extra memorable because this was the 20th time the national celebration took place in downtown The Hague; once again in the atrium of the beautiful City Hall and in nearby China Town.
The celebration was attended and supported by Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague who recounted the historical role of The Hague for the Chinese community and even included a New Year’s greeting and wish from Prime Minister Rutte. Tan Jian, the Chinese Ambassador was also present and gave a nice speech about the important relationship between China and the Netherlands as the “Gateway to Europe.”
After the official welcome speeches and a very energetic “Dragons and Lions” dance, a beautiful and mixed cultural program, “Festival of Spring, Cultures of China,” followed, featuring various highlights by well-known Chinese artists from different regions of China.
Among others, You Hongfei, soprano of China National Opera from Beijing, who sang “I Love You China” and “Song of the Yangtze River.” Also young talent Du Pengpeng, with several folk songs from northern Shaanxi province.
Also gracing the event were Li Xinyi, a young soprano from the Beijing Song and Dance Theater, and impressive acrobatics by Yuan Fei and Han Ying in their rendition of “Inviting the Moon and Shadows-The Opponent Supports.”
A program that lasted over 4 hours and attracted a large crowd of hundreds at City Hall and thousands in downtown and China town.
The Year of the Dragon has begun. The dragon is the fifth animal in the Chinese zodiac, and people born in the Year of the Dragon are believed to be ambitious, confident, charismatic and innovative. They possess an abundance of energy and enthusiasm, and they are idealistic and visionary leaders. They also bring happiness and blessings to those around them.
If you want to learn more about the Chinese New Year or the characteristics of the year of the dragon and what it means to you, look here:
