From 6 to 8 February the China Cultural Centre in Malta, in collaboration with the Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Centre of China, presented a series of vibrant events to mark the Chinese New Year of the Snake.

The festivities kicked off on the morning of 6 February at St Thomas More College in Żejtun, where the Chinese Spring Festival Temple Fair brought a wealth of traditional cultural experiences to students and teachers. Highlights included the lively lion dance, sugar painting, woodblock printing, rice dough modelling, shadow puppetry, string puppetry, lantern-making, and the tranquil art of Chinese tea tasting. These activities offered an immersive introduction to the rich heritage of the Chinese New Year, engaging the local community in an authentic cultural exchange.

During the afternoons of 6 and 7 February, the celebration moved to the iconic Tritons' Fountain in Valletta, where passersby were treated to stunning performances, including the energetic lion dance, mesmerising puppetry and traditional dance, captivating the public with a taste of Chinese artistry in the heart of the capital.

The grand finale took place on 8 February at the China Cultural Centre, where the doors were opened to the public for a unique Experience Chinese New Year event. Visitors had the chance to engage with various Chinese cultural traditions, including shadow puppetry, woodblock printing, sugar figurine modelling and the fascinating art of Chinese tea culture.

The three-day celebration was a resounding success, bridging cultures and connecting people through the rich and diverse traditions of the Chinese New Year.