Yok Yee Chan, the Consul General of Fiji in Shanghai

Yok Yee Chan, the Consul General of Fiji in Shanghai, highlighted the global significance of the Spring Festival. 

"The Chinese Spring Festival, commonly known as the Chinese New Year, is not only celebrated by the 1.4 billion Chinese in China, but also by millions of overseas Chinese, and foreigners who recognize and cherish this festival," she stated. 

Chan noted that the UNESCO recognition would further promote the Chinese Spring Festival at the global level, making more people around the world aware and appreciate the cultural significance and understand better the meanings of celebration.

Chan said that the Chinese Spring Festival is celebrated in Fiji both officially and by the Chinese community. The Chinese Embassy and the Chinese Culture Centre in Fiji normally organize festive activities and official receptions to mark the Chinese New Year which are attended by Fijian national leaders and senior officials. Lion and dragon dances are performed during the festive period. 

"The Spring Festival's inscription in UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage no doubt will spark stronger interest among Fijians on Chinese culture," Chan said.

Chan said that as she comes from a Chinese family, the Spring Festival is the most celebrated and cherished festival for her.

"It's a festive period of family reunion, catching up with relatives and friends, eating delicious food, reflecting on the achievements of the year gone by, be grateful to what we have and plan for the New Year. One of the festive activities I enjoy is lighting up and watching the fireworks," Chan said.

"Last year, I travelled to Zhongshan in South China's Guangdong Province, my ancestral hometown to join family and friends during the Spring Festival. I was truly amazed by the holiday spirit and learned a lot about Chinese culture," Chan added.