Confucius institute celebrates Chinese Spring festival with special variety show   |09 February 2024

The Confucius Institute of the University of Seychelles yesterday hosted a Chinese spring festival celebration to welcome the new lunar year.

The event at the Seychelles Chinese Culture Centre, Pagoda in Victoria, was filled with interesting performances including songs, dance and games performed by students and staff of the University of Seychelles (UniSey).

Chinese nationals including children also provided entertainment throughout the ceremony and took part in Chinese traditional games such as ‘picking up peanuts,’ and ‘passing around,’ among others.

The Seychelles National Choir was also present to entertain the guests with a creole song titled ‘Nasyon Seselwa - Seychelles,’ and a Chinese song ‘Swan Geese’ in honour of the Chinese spring festival.

Guests took part in a lucky draw where they were all handed a bottle of water upon entry, with a lucky number on top. The draw was done thrice to give everyone a chance to be lucky winners.

When addressing the guests, the vice-chancellor of the University of Seychelles, Joëlle Perreau said this year’s celebration was special.

“Every year we celebrate this festival and today we are celebrating the Chinese Spring festival at the Pagoda for the first time, with our new team,” said Ms Perreau.

She also commended all those who took part and contributed towards making the event a successful one. Ms Perreau expressed special admiration for her fellow colleagues and others learning Chinese, who made the ceremony all the more special.

The event ended with a group photo.

Text: Kassey Govinden

Photos: Kurtrine Albert