COLOMBO, Sept. 26 (Xinhua) -- The Mid-Autumn Day in Poetry 2025 was held in Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka, on Wednesday evening, featuring traditional performances from China's Xizang Autonomous Region alongside Sri Lankan cultural displays.
Artists from the Rikaze Municipal Ethnic Art Troupe of China's Xizang Autonomous Region presented national intangible cultural heritage performances such as Xieqin and Jiaxie -- types of traditional folk and dance performances in Xizang -- to an audience comprising Sri Lankan guests and members of the local Chinese community.
In her remarks, Ji Lili, counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, said the Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the major traditional festivals of the Chinese nation, carrying aspirations for reunion, harmony, and a better life. She added that Sri Lanka also celebrates a full-moon festival as a country with a long and splendid history.
"This artistic dialogue between our two nations tonight will enable us to transcend geographical and language barriers, to understand each other's history, traditions and emotions, deepening our mutual respect and friendly cooperation," she said.
The event featured a diverse program under the theme of the full moon. Highlights included a choral recitation of the Chinese classic poem, traditional song and dance performances from China's Xizang, as well as Sri Lankan traditional dances, showcasing mutual learning between the two civilizations.
"Events like this are vital for us because they foster a spirit of curiosity, understanding, and mutual respect among our people. This celebration of the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time for family and harmony, resonates deeply with our own values here in Sri Lanka. I am certain it will leave us all with a lasting sense of warmth and friendship," said Palitha Nanayakkara, municipal commissioner of the Colombo Municipal Council.
A creative cultural exhibition and interactive experience zone showcasing China's Tibetan culture were also set up at the event, which brought together over 200 attendees.
The event was guided by China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka, and co-hosted by the China Cultural Center in Sri Lanka and the Department of Culture and Tourism of China's Xizang Autonomous Region. ■
