YANGON: Mooncakes, tea, music and cultural activities brought more than 600 people from Myanmar and China together in Yangon, offering an opportunity to experience traditions shared across the two neighbouring countries.
The cultural event was held as part of celebrations ahead of China's traditional Mid-Autumn Festival on Friday (Sept 25) and was jointly organised by the Yunnan Provincial Department of Culture and Tourism, the China Cultural Centre in Yangon, and the Bank of China.
Chinese artists from Yunnan and Myanmar presented music, dance and other cultural performances. Around 30 booths showcased tea, mooncakes and cultural artifacts, while visitors took part in interactive activities, including DIY mooncake making.
For U Tin Oo, chairman of the Myanmar-China Friendship Association, the celebration provided an opportunity to deepen understanding through shared cultural heritage.
"Today's event is truly special, as it paves the way for us to deepen our familiarity with one another and strengthen our bonds of friendship through our shared cultural heritage," he said.
He said the Mid-Autumn Festival also evokes memories and a sense of longing among friends and relatives separated by distance but sharing the same moonlight.
"Serving a cup of tea is a gesture that expresses friendship and mutual respect. Sitting together to savor the tea creates an opportunity for us to discuss everything from traditions to social matters," he said.
U Nyunt Win, director general of the Department of Fine Arts, said China and Myanmar are not only bordering neighbours but also share deep historical and cultural ties that date back centuries.
He said the Paukphaw (fraternal) friendship between the two countries has grown increasingly strong and enduring.
"I believe that such cultural exchanges will further strengthen mutual understanding and friendly bonds between the peoples of our two countries," he said. - Xinhua
