A vibrant nationwide banquet, gathering around 2,000 attendees, was held on Sunday at the Swami Vivekananda International Convention Center in Port Louis, Mauritius, marking the beginning of a series of festivities to celebrate the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival.
This year’s Spring Festival falls on January 29, according to the Chinese lunar calendar.
This celebration is particularly significant as it is the first since the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) officially recognized the Spring Festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2024.
Mario Hung Wai Wing, former president of the Federation of Chinese Societies (FCS) in Mauritius and one of the event’s organizers, expressed the banquet’s importance. “The banquet celebrates the unification of the whole Chinese family in the country, composed of different groups and associations at the national level, before they gather in a more intimate setting with their own family members on the eve of the Chinese New Year,” he stated.
Dorinne Kim Soo, a Mauritian of Chinese origin and FCS member, shared her excitement: “This banquet is a special occasion where we meet friends and families from across the island. We always look forward to it because everybody is busy with work and family obligations all year long. Once a year, we come together, share news, and enjoy being together.”
The event was co-organized by the Mauritian Ministry of Arts and Culture, the FCS, the United Chinese Association in Mauritius, and the China Cultural Center in Mauritius. Attendees were treated to traditional Chinese cultural performances, including exhilarating dragon and lion dances that captivated the audience.
Mauritius, known for its rich multiethnic society comprising Indian, African, Chinese, and European origins, promotes a diverse array of cultural activities. Minister of Arts and Culture Mahen Gondeea emphasized the importance of celebrating the Chinese New Year on a national level, akin to other significant holidays such as Eid al-Fitr, Divali, and Christmas.
Looking ahead, Mario noted that a series of festive celebrations, including a float parade, fairs, exhibitions, traditional cultural performances, and Chinese food tastings, are scheduled for the coming week as the Chinese New Year approaches.
Former Mauritian Ambassador to China, Paul Chong Leung, praised the banquet as a means for the Chinese community to share their celebrations with other Mauritian communities, highlighting the “universal value” of the Chinese New Year.
Roseline, a retired Mauritian of Chinese descent, shared her commitment to family traditions, stating, “We have always celebrated Chinese New Year here with family, and we will continue to do so.”
As Mauritius gears up for a week of festivities, the spirit of unity and cultural appreciation shines brightly, showcasing the island’s commitment to celebrating its diverse heritage.
