Spring Festival goes global as China marks Year of the Horse in Nairobi

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan has hailed the Spring Festival as a unifying global cultural event, as the Chinese community in Kenya marked the Lunar New Year ahead of the Year of the Horse.

The opening ceremony of the 2026 Nairobi Chinese New Year Gala was held at CK Square, Two Rivers Mall, bringing together diplomats, members of the Chinese community, Kenyans and international guests.

Speaking during the 3rd Nairobi Chinese New Year Gala, Ambassador Guo said the festival, which was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2024, reflects shared values of harmony, peace and prosperity.

She noted that the Lunar New Year is now celebrated in nearly 200 countries and regions, with about one-fifth of the world’s population observing it in various forms, underscoring its growing global significance.

The envoy also highlighted strengthening China–Africa relations, pointing to 2026 as the China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, an initiative aimed at deepening cultural dialogue, youth engagement and mutual learning.

John Lekakeny Ololtuaa, Kenya’s Principal Secretary in the State Department for Tourism, welcomed UNESCO’s recognition of the Spring Festival, describing it as a milestone for global cultural heritage.

“It is gratifying that on 4th December 2024, the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee inscribed the Spring Festival on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition elevates a tradition cherished by over two billion people across more than 20 nations, and underscores our shared human values of gratitude, renewal and harmony,” Ololtuaa said.

The Nairobi celebrations featured colourful performances and exhibitions showcasing Chinese culture and shared heritage, including traditional dragon and lion dances and Yangge, a traditional Chinese folk dance performed by the Confucius Institute at the University of Nairobi, alongside Chinese cuisine.

The Year of the Horse, which symbolizes energy, progress and success in Chinese culture, officially begins later this month.