The Henan Spring Festival Overseas Gala: Africa Tour, Ethiopia in Focus took place at the Ethiopian National Theater, showcasing a variety of performances to promote cultural exchange between Henan Province in China and Ethiopia.
"Though Thousands Of Miles Apart, Our Hearts Draw Near
With Each Year Passed, Our Love Grows Clear"
The event featured traditional Chinese arts such as Shaolin Kung Fu, Sichuan Opera "Face-Changing," ribbon dance, and contortion, as well as Ethiopian music and performances. The gala aimed to strengthen friendship between the two nations and celebrate their cultural heritage. The audience enjoyed a blend of traditional and modern performances, highlighting the diversity and vibrancy of both Chinese and Ethiopian cultures. The event concluded with a joint performance of Ba Duan Jin, a traditional Chinese exercise, symbolizing the unity and cooperation between the two countries.
PSI Staff
The Henan Spring Festival Overseas Gala: Africa Tour, Ethiopia in Focus featured a series of captivating performances that showcased the rich cultural heritage of both Henan Province in China and Ethiopia. The gala brought together traditional Chinese arts, including Shaolin Kung Fu, Sichuan Opera "Face-Changing," ribbon dance, and contortion, with Ethiopian music and performances. The event aimed to foster cultural exchange and strengthen friendship between the two nations.
The martial monks of Songshan Shaolin Temple, renowned for their expertise in Shaolin Kung Fu, presented a mesmerizing display of their skills. With movements deeply rooted in Chinese history, they showcased the essence of this ancient martial art, which has had a profound influence on martial arts worldwide. Serving as cultural ambassadors, the martial monks not only entertained but also educated the audience on the connection between mind, body, and spirit.
H.E. Mr. Shen Qinmin, DCM/Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia
Afterwards, H.E. Mr. Shen Qinmin, DCM/Minister Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia, warmly welcomed the audience and Ethiopian friends who come to attend the performance. He also welcomed the Chinese performance team and pointed out that the Henan cultural region is the origin of Chinese civilization. The Yellow River, often referred to as the "Mother River"," flows through its fertile plains. H.E. Mr. Shen also compared the Yellow River, also known as the Huang He, which flows through this region, and the great Abay River in Ethiopia.
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H.E. Mr. Shen emphasized that Henan Province occupies a central position in China and is the cultural center of the country. He also stated that President Xi highlighted the global civilization initiative and reiterated the principle that every culture deserves equal rights. He finally added: "I sincerely wish you to enjoy and delight in the cultural performances tonight.”
The Sichuan Opera "Face-Changing" added an element of mystery and intrigue to the gala. Originating from Sichuan Province, this traditional Chinese opera incorporates music, dance, acrobatics, and martial arts. One of its highlights is the art of face changing, where performers swiftly change their face masks to depict different characters and emotions. This skill, passed down through generations, is considered an intangible cultural heritage of China.
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The "Dance of the Rainbow Ribbons" showcased the grace and beauty of rhythmic gymnastics. Using a long ribbon attached to a stick, the dancer created mesmerizing shapes and movements, complemented by leaps, turns, and other dance elements. This performance highlighted the elegance and skill required in this art form.
The "Liuyang River" song, originating from Hunan Province, captivated the audience with its beautiful melody and poetic lyrics describing the scenic beauty of the Liuyang River. This Chinese folk song has been interpreted by many artists over the years, adding to its cultural significance.
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The "Symphony of a Hundred Birds" showcased the extraordinary flexibility of contortionists. Demonstrating seemingly impossible feats of bending and twisting their bodies, the performers amazed the audience with their physical prowess and agility.
Shaolin Hard Qigong, practiced by the Shaolin monks, was another remarkable display of strength and resilience. Through striking various parts of their bodies with different objects, such as stones and sticks, the monks demonstrated their ability to endure pain and cultivate a resilient body and mind.
Overall, the Henan Spring Festival Overseas Gala: Africa Tour, Ethiopia in Focus showcased a variety of performances representing the cultural heritage of both Henan Province in China and Ethiopia. The event featured Shaolin Kung Fu, Leaping in Fluorescence, Contortion, Chinese Kung Fu, Hua Mulan, Tedy Afro's music, bell and diabolo performances, and Ba Duan Jin exercise. These performances highlighted martial arts, acrobatics, music, and dance, creating a vibrant and diverse cultural exchange. The event concluded with a group photo, symbolizing the successful celebration of cultural friendship between the two nations.