China Media Group (CMG) is set to mark this year’s Spring Festival, the first since the holiday’s inclusion in UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list, with a gala celebrating its worldwide influence. The event, titled Festival of Spring 2025: A Worldwide Celebration of Chinese New Year, will air on CCTV 4 at 7:30 pm (Beijing Time) on 29 January, the eve of the Year of the Snake.
The gala will be divided into three chapters: A Shared Spring, Spirit of the Overseas Chinese, and Greetings for the New Year. The programme aims to connect audiences across the globe through performances and stories that capture the essence of the Spring Festival.
A key focus will be the experiences of overseas Chinese communities, with songs and dances exploring the bittersweet emotions of homesickness and cherished memories of past celebrations. Renowned artists Tsai Chin and Chiang Yu-Heng will lead the performances, joined by representatives from Chinese communities in the United States, Australia, and Russia.
In addition to celebrating Chinese traditions, the gala will spotlight the growing global significance of the Spring Festival. Foreign guests will share how their own countries embrace Chinese New Year, showcasing the cross-cultural exchange inspired by the holiday.
Short video creator Li Ziqi, known for her content promoting traditional Chinese culture, will feature prominently in the programme. Li will highlight the historical and cultural importance of the Spring Festival and discuss her efforts to preserve China’s intangible cultural heritage.
Originally a celebration limited to China, the Spring Festival has grown into a worldwide occasion. From elaborate parades in major cities to family gatherings in small communities, the event has become a bridge between cultures, promoting unity and understanding.
The gala reflects this evolution by offering a rich and varied programme that celebrates both traditional customs and their modern adaptations. With its emphasis on family, reunion, and renewal, the Spring Festival resonates with audiences far beyond China.
CMG’s 2025 gala continues a long-standing tradition of marking the Lunar New Year with an elaborate production. By inviting voices from around the globe, this year’s event underscores the holiday’s role in fostering cross-cultural connections.
Viewers are invited to join the celebrations and experience the spirit of the Year of the Snake as it unfolds.
