Traditional fair showcases diversity of Chinese culture to Beninese public

Artists perform a lion dance at a Chinese New Year Fair in Cotonou, Benin, March 2, 2024. A Chinese New Year Fair, showcasing the diversity and richness of Chinese culture to the public in Benin, was launched on Saturday evening in the Esplanade des Amazones Square in Cotonou, Benin's economic capital. (Photo by Seraphin Zounyekpe/Xinhua)

COTONOU, March 3 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese New Year Fair, showcasing the diversity and richness of Chinese culture to the public in Benin, was launched on Saturday evening in the Esplanade des Amazones Square in Cotonou, Benin's economic capital.

Numerous stalls displaying a wide range of Chinese products, Chinese cuisine, martial arts, paper-cutting, calligraphy, traditional Chinese medicine, and the lion dance, demonstrated the charm of Chinese culture.

Speaking at the launch of the fair, China's Ambassador to Benin Peng Jingtao said the Chinese Spring Festival has become an international celebration.

"All over the world, Chinese people celebrate this festival with local people. It's a time for sharing joy through cultural activities," he said.

Carole Borna, representative of Benin's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Arts, was delighted with the organization of the fair in Cotonou, which in her view enables the Beninese public to appreciate Chinese culture at its true value. 

Locals visit a Chinese New Year Fair in Cotonou, Benin, March 2, 2024. A Chinese New Year Fair, showcasing the diversity and richness of Chinese culture to the public in Benin, was launched on Saturday evening in the Esplanade des Amazones Square in Cotonou, Benin's economic capital. (Photo by Seraphin Zounyekpe/Xinhua)

Artists perform a dragon dance at a Chinese New Year Fair in Cotonou, Benin, March 2, 2024. A Chinese New Year Fair, showcasing the diversity and richness of Chinese culture to the public in Benin, was launched on Saturday evening in the Esplanade des Amazones Square in Cotonou, Benin's economic capital. (Photo by Seraphin Zounyekpe/Xinhua)