02 Feb 2015

The Chinese Community in Botswana over the weekend celebrated one of the most important events in their calendar, the 2015 Chinese Lunar New Year. 

Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival was held for the second time in Botswana.  The event is celebrated every year when winter comes to an end, where Chinese people hold grand celebrations.

Speaking at the event, Chinese Ambassador, Mr Zheng Zhuqiang said the festival was not only a celebration for the Chinese people but also a platform for Batswana to feel Chinese culture, know about China and share the joy of Chinese Lunar New Year.

He said 2015 also marked the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Botswana which had been developing soundly and steadily on the basis of traditional friendship and true benefit from expanding cooperation in various fields. 

“According to the Chinese Lunar Calendar, 2015 is the Year of Goat. In Chinese Culture, goats are thought to be energetic and hardworking, and the Year of the Goat is expected to bring goodluck and success,’’ he said. 

Meanwhile, the Chinese Community also donated a cheque of P20 000 to International Working Group on Women and Sports to show goodwill and friendship between the two countries.  The cheque was received by the Minister of Health, Ms Dorcas Makgato as the Woman and Sport Botswana patron.

Some local artists in Nnono Ramogotsi, DJ La Timmy and Martial Arts group entertained spectators alongside other Chinese cultural performances and tasting genuine Chinese food. ENDS