VALLETTA, Feb. 18 (Xinhua) -- From classrooms to concert halls, from cobblestone streets to the cinema screen, the spirit of China's Spring Festival is increasingly finding a place in everyday life in Malta through this year's "Happy Chinese New Year" program.
The festivities began on the morning of Feb. 6 local time, when the China Xizang Autonomous Region Art Troupe visited San Miguel Febres Cordero Special School. Lively dances, the bright sound of the suona, a traditional Chinese wind instrument, and colorful ethnic costumes brought a festive atmosphere to the campus.
"The children are smiling even more than usual today," said headmaster Mark Agius, noting that beyond the performance itself, it was the artists' warm interaction that left a lasting impression. By inviting students onto the stage and dancing hand in hand, the performers helped them feel respected, understood and included, he said.
The celebration continued that evening at the Sir Temi Zammit Hall of the University of Malta, where a "Happy Chinese New Year" performance and Spring Festival reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Malta drew more than 400 guests from various sectors, along with representatives of Chinese-funded institutions and members of the local Chinese community.
The program featured dynamic folk dances, traditional music and costume displays that highlighted the cultural heritage of China's plateau regions. Applause filled the hall as energetic rhythms alternated with more lyrical pieces, offering the audience a vivid glimpse of diverse artistic traditions.
Students in attendance said they were impressed by both the vitality of the music and the interactive elements. "It's full of energy and rhythm, and people can join in," one student said after the show.
In his remarks, Chinese Ambassador to Malta Zhang Zuo said cultural and people-to-people exchanges have provided sustained momentum for bilateral relations since the establishment of diplomatic ties. He said both sides are willing to further deepen cooperation and enhance mutual understanding through exchanges among civilizations.
Local officials also voiced support. Mario Calleja, mayor of Marsaskala, said the series of events has opened more windows for Maltese residents to learn about China and praised the China Cultural Center in Malta for building a stable platform for cultural exchange.
Beyond formal venues, the festival spirit reached the streets. On Feb. 7, a flash performance in Valletta drew residents and tourists to gather in the city's historic lanes. As music rang out, performers invited onlookers to join the dance, and laughter echoed between the old stone buildings.
The celebrations extended to the silver screen as well. On Feb. 17, a Chinese film screening at Malta's National Centre for Creativity featured The Lychee Road, set in the Tang Dynasty and portraying trade and everyday life. Maltese cultural scholar Fiona Vella said its historical backdrop, everyday details and cohesive visuals deepened her understanding of Chinese aesthetics.
In recent years, cultural exchanges between China and Malta have continued to expand. The China Cultural Center in Malta regularly hosts activities including "Happy Chinese New Year," film screenings and tourism and culture weeks, while Maltese cultural institutions have also participated in exchanges with China.
As the "Happy Chinese New Year" program concludes, Spring Festival celebrations in Malta will continue with events including the lighting ceremony of the Chang'an Lanterns and hanfu, traditional Chinese clothing, showcases, bringing people from across Maltese society together to welcome the new year. While the activities may take different forms, the connections they foster and the friendship between China and Malta will continue to grow. ■
