VICTORIA, Jan. 29 (Xinhua) -- With authentic Chinese delicacies and cultural performances captivating audiences, a China-themed bazaar in Victoria marked the start of Chinese New Year celebrations in Seychelles, and boosted interactions between the two cultures.
The 12th China Day Bazaar, held outside the National Museum of History in the capital city, attracted the Chinese community and others dwelling in the western Indian Ocean archipelago on Saturday.
With the banging of a Gong, Chinese Ambassador to Seychelles Lin Nan and several local officials launched the event and subsequent Spring Festival activities.
A group of young Seychellois performed a lively lion and dragon dance and Seychelles National Choir sang three Chinese songs at the opening ceremony.
Marie-Julie Stephen, one of the attendees, found contentment in her visit to the bazaar with more than 20 stalls.
"Despite the rain, I am happy to be here and taste the various delicacies on offer," she said.
In her opening address, Lin described the bazaar as "a highlight of cultural exchanges between our two countries and a vivid demonstration of the Global Civilization Initiative."
The iconic cultural event is "the bridge for our two peoples and cultures to meet and interact and to learn from each other," Lin said.
David Andre, secretary general of Seychelles National Institute for Culture, Heritage and the Arts (SNICHA), said that the cultural exchanges conducted at the event "are a powerful reminder of the unifying role that culture plays in bringing people together."
"Culture helps to create lasting connections, foster tolerance and build bridges across divides. When we share each other's traditions we celebrate both our similarities and our differences," he added.
Rose-Mary Lee-Bluemner, chairperson of the Chinese Association of Seychelles, said that the event "symbolizes strong friendship between Seychelles and China, highlighting our shared values and cultural ties."
In addition to the bazaar, visitors also had the luxury to see a photo exhibition featuring the city of Chengdu in southwest China's Sichuan Province.
The event was co-organized by the SNICHA, the Chinese Association of Seychelles and the Office of the Mayor of Victoria. ■