"Spring Fair" showcases diverse Chinese culture in Malta

VALLETTA, April 23 (Xinhua) -- The "Spring Fair," featuring diverse Chinese cultural activities, was held on Sunday at the Garden of Serenity, a traditional Chinese garden in Santa Lucija, Malta.

The fair, jointly organized by the China Cultural Centre in Malta and the Santa Lucija local council, offered attendees the opportunity to indulge in Chinese tea and cuisine, experience the art of calligraphy, and even try on Han Chinese clothing.

In addition, Chinese medical team provided free medical consultations and services on-site.

The event's highlight was the mesmerizing performances by members from the Malta School of Wushu-Longgui, who showcased captivating dragon dances and martial arts, attracting many audiences. Tai Chi performance, traditional Chinese folk music, and popular songs also garnered loud cheers and applause.

At the opening ceremony, Charmaine St John, mayor of Santa Lucija, said that the Garden of Serenity is "a symbol of friendship between Malta and China."

She noted that cultural integration has always been a proposition of the Maltese government, and cooperation between the two sides should be based on equality and mutual benefit in order to be sustainable.

One of the attendees, 12-year-old Nathan Zammit, wrote his name in Chinese characters with a brush at the booth of the Confucius Institute at the University of Malta. He was excited to experience calligraphy and showed admiration for Chinese culture, despite not having visited China.

Zammit, a resident of Santa Lucija, told Xinhua that he often attended Chinese cultural activities held in the Garden of Serenity.

Another attendee, Joe Pace, said he enjoyed the event, particularly the Tai Chi performance. Pace, speaks some Chinese, said that he often attended Chinese cultural events held in Malta.