With the advancement of globalization, the Spring Festival, a long-standing traditional Chinese festival, has gradually entered the global arena and evolved into an international cultural festival. On December 22, 2023, the 78th United Nations General Assembly unanimously passed a resolution designating China's Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, as a U.N. floating holiday.

As a traditional Chinese festival, the Spring Festival carries deep cultural connotations and historical profundity. The fact that Chinese festivals can go global not only demonstrates the charm, popularity, and influence of Chinese culture but also injects new impetus into the world's festival culture.

In fact, approximately 20 countries and regions around the world have already designated the Spring Festival as their public holiday, including South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore, and Malaysia in Asia. Geographic proximity encouraged cultural exchanges, trade, and population migration between China and neighboring countries, and the Spring Festival, the most influential event celebrated by the Chinese people at the beginning of the year, rapidly gained popularity in these nations. 

Now, with the rapid development of globalization and modernization, there are more and more economic and other interactions between different countries and regions, broadening the scope of cultural communications. The Spring Festival has become ingrained in the traditions of different countries and regions as a result of the ubiquitous presence of Chinese people around the world.

Singapore: Strong festive atmosphere for Year of Dragon

Singapore is a country with a diversified culture. For Chinese people in Singapore, the Spring Festival is one of the most important festivals of the year. When the Spring Festival approaches, the city will be filled with a vibrant celebratory atmosphere. From the colorful lights and couplets hung on the streets to different celebrations and performances, you can feel Singapore's enthusiasm and attention for the festival.

The God of Wealth in the company of a giant 140-meter-long dragon sends New Year greetings to citizens at Singapore's Gardens by the Bay. [Photo courtesy of the Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations]