The 2019 'Happy Chinese New Year' serial activities were held in Athens, Greece

Greek 'Happy Chinese New Year' series activities was officially launched in Technopolis, Athens on Jan. 29 local time.

Caption: The Northern Kunqu Opera "A Surprising Dream"

During of activity, the Youth Dance Troupe of Beijing Dance Academy, Jackie Chan Dragon Rhyme Martial Arts Troupe, Northern Kunqu Opera Theatre, Chinese Acrobatic Troupe and Beijing National Orchestra presented splendid performances for the guests, which focused on national music, martial arts, dance, acrobatics and Kunqu Opera.

Caption: Beijing Dance Academy Youth Dance Troupe presented dance show "King Qin ordering troops".

It is worth mentioning that the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Culture and Tourism has sent experienced dragon coaches to Athens to train Greek dragon dancers. After several days of rehearsal, a red-and-yellow dragon symbolizing China and a blue-and-white dragon symbolizing Greece "made appearance" in the dragon dance performced by Chinese and Greek dragon dancers. These two dragons symbolize the friendship between the Greek and Chinese people.

In addition, there were the intangible cultural heritage stalls for attendees as well. The intangible cultural heritage, such as dough sculpture, paper-cut and kite, exhibited their elegance in this activity. The exquisite skills inherited China's ancient and excellent culture and attracted many local citizens.

Caption: The intangible cultural heritage exhibition stalls

Chinese restaurants and dessert shops from Athens also showcased Chinese cuisine in the activity, enabling Greek friends to explore and experience "A Bite of China" and providing Chinese people in Greece with familiar home flavor when the Spring Festival is coming.

2019 is the third year for Athens to hold the Happy Chinese New Year serial activities. The city of Salonika in northern Greece also celebrated the first Chinese New Year celebration on January 28.