Spring Festival 2025, Year of the Snake.

The Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi (CIUON) kicked off the 2025 Chinese New Year celebrations with an electrifying event themed “The Golden Snake is Dancing. Good Luck is Coming” on January 24.

This was a historic moment, marking the first Spring Festival since UNESCO officially recognized the Social Practice of Celebrating the Traditional Chinese New Year as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The grand event that was held at the Confucius Institute at University of Nairobi, attracted over 1,000 participants, including Chinese and Kenyan dignitaries, students, faculty members, expatriates, and business representatives. Among the distinguished guests were Mr. Zhang Zhizhong, Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, and Professor Francis Mulaa, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Nairobi, both of whom delivered speeches emphasizing the significance of cultural exchange between China and Kenya.

In a speech that was delivered by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Enterprise, Prof. Francis Mulaa, on behalf of the Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi Prof. M. Jesang Hutchinson, highlighted the cultural significance of the festival describing the festival as one that promotes diversity, respect and unity. She also applauded the collaboration between the University of Nairobi and Tianjin Normal University citing the recent MoU between the Ministries of Education of China and Kenya to enhance Chinese language teaching and another MoU signed during FOCAC to establish the China-Africa Research Centre for Dialogue among Civilizations.

The Minister Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Kenya, Mr. Zhang Zhizhong praised the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi (UoN) for its key role in enhancing Kenya-China diplomatic ties. He also recognized the dedication of the team at the Confucius Institute, in promoting the Chinese language and culture.

Zhang also praised the Kenyans who attended the celebrations, emphasizing that many of the performers showcasing Chinese cultural practices were the Kenyan students, which is quite impressive.

The celebration saw participation from over 20 institutions, including Mpesa Foundation Academy, Utalii College, Kijani Ridge School, Alliance High School, Strathmore University, Kenya Highway School, State House Girls High School, Discovery Chinese Cultural Training Center, Mahanaim International School, Brookhouse International School, Academy of International Languages, Juja Preparatory School, the Defense Forces School of Education and Languages, USIU (United States International University – Africa), Starehe Technical Training College, Loreto Msongari School, Kenya Institute of Foreign Languages and Professional Studies, and Kabete National Polytechnic. Students from these institutions came together to immerse themselves in the festivities, experiencing Chinese culture firsthand.

The event opened with a breathtaking Dragon and Lion Dance performance by the CIUON Dragon and Lion Dance Club. The rhythmic beats of Chinese drums combined with Burundi drums set the stage for an exciting fusion of Chinese and African cultural elements. The powerful, synchronized movements of the dancing dragons and lions energized the crowd, creating an unforgettable start to the celebrations.

The cultural performances were nothing short of mesmerizing. The audience was captivated by a traditional Guzheng performance that showcased the elegance of Chinese classical music. A series of stunning dance performances, including "Red Lantern" and "Tibetan Dance" brought color and vibrancy to the stage. The musical lineup featured soulful solo performances of "Spring Blossoms" and "The Love that Defied Time", a duet performance, and powerful choir renditions of "I Love You, China" and "Love & Unity". The Red Dragonfly Children’s Choir also delivered a nostalgic performance of "Childhood", adding to the festive mood.

Kung fu demonstrations combined with Opera Medley brought an exhilarating mix of action and storytelling, keeping the audience engaged. Interactive games, including "Shake Shake", "Dancing Snake" and "Musical Chairs" also turned the festival into a fun-filled gathering, where participants of all ages joined in. Raffle draw sessions kept everyone on their toes, with fantastic prizes adding an element of surprise and delight.

The gala also featured 14 immersive cultural experience zones where participants could explore Chinese traditions through hands-on activities. These included DIY lanterns, handcrafted clay snake figurines, Chinese paper cutting, calligraphy, and Spring Festival couplet writing. Students and visitors also got the chance to try their hand at Chinese painting, New Year printmaking, and interactive traditional games like Pitch Pot, Ring Tossing, and Tug-of-War. A dedicated cultural exhibition corner provided insights into the history and customs of the Chinese New Year, making the experience both educational and entertaining.

Attendees were then served with authentic Chinese dishes, including Jiaozi(dumplings), Roujiamo (Chinese hamburger), sugar pie, stir-fried noodles, Baozi(Chinese steamed bun), Tang Hu Lu(candied fruit), barbecue, fruit tea, and popcorn. Alongside the delicious offerings, a Chinese New Year market featured an array of festive goods, including lucky bags, decorative items, plush toys, and exclusive CIUON souvenirs.

The 2025 Chinese New Year celebration was a resounding success, strengthening the bond between Chinese and Kenyan communities. The Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing China-Kenya cultural exchange, ensuring that such vibrant festivities continue to bring people together for years to come.