Feature: Chinese performers bring a taste of Chinese New Year to Germany

FRANKFURT/GUANGZHOU, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- Hundreds of local residents experienced the festive joy of the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival in Frankfurt, Germany on Friday as a group of flamboyantly dressed performers captivated the public with their lively and unique dance in celebration.

The performance was distinctive -- an artful fusion of drama, dance, and martial arts -- earning it the special name Yingge dance, or "dance to the hero's song."

It is a form of folk dance popular in south China's Guangdong Province and it was listed as the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage in 2006.

The 25-member Ximen Yingge Team from Shantou, Guangdong Province, energized onlookers with their powerful and rhythmic movements against the crisp winter air in Frankfurt as the first Spring Festival temple fair kicked off here.

Organized by the Department of Culture and Tourism of Guangdong Province, the team is currently on an eight-day tour of Germany and France, starting on Tuesday, as part of the "Happy Chinese New Year" event. Frankfurt is one of several stops on their tour, which also includes stops in Hanau, Paris, and Lyon.

Among the mesmerized spectators was Rebecca, a student, who recorded the entire performance in Frankfurt on her phone.

"I love the dance and feel thrilled to experience Chinese New Year celebrations up close for the first time. The performers are so passionate, and they've brought so much joy to us. It's truly spectacular!" she said.

Chen Tanpeng, coach of the Ximen Yingge Team, highlighted the distinctiveness of their innovative performance, saying more Chinese dance elements have been incorporated.

Juergen Scheuermann, chairman of the Hanau-Taizhou Friendship Association, spoke highly of the performance, noting that "We look forward to stronger cultural ties and deeper connections between our peoples."

For the performers, the experience was just as exhilarating. "We came to Germany ... offering a rich cultural feast to friends from around the world," Chen said, adding, "The atmosphere here is amazing -- the people are warm, the food is delicious, and we are truly delighted to celebrate the Chinese New Year in such a wonderful place."

Wu Yanhua, deputy coach of the team, expressed pride in sharing their heritage. "Through Yingge, we hope to transcend language barriers and bring the joy of the Chinese New Year to people everywhere," she said.

The team's preparation for the tour was meticulous, lasting two months to ensure a stellar performance.

Beyond their performance, the team also brought a touch of home to Europe, presenting handmade gifts to local spectators, including paper cuttings, embroidered sachets, mini Spring Festival couplets, and Yingge-themed keychains.

Anna Breit, a local resident, said, "It's wonderful ... The performers' costumes are stunning, and their performance not only brings joy but also allows us to feel the rich spirit of the Chinese New Year."

At the close of 2024, UNESCO added the Spring Festival, social practices of the Chinese people in celebration of traditional new year, to its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. A year earlier, the 78th UN General Assembly recognized the Chinese New Year as an official UN holiday, underscoring the festival's growing global presence. ■