When „Chinese New Year“ becomes a global holiday: How the Spring Festival awakens global cultural resonance

During the Chinese Lunar New Year of the Horse, the CMG 2026 Gala brought New Year's wishes to Chinese compatriots around the world and friends abroad. The celebration spread the spirit of spring across continents, while showing the world the unique charm of the Spring Festival and the depth of Chinese culture.

The Argentine Daily Clarín appreciated that the gala, which accompanies China's social and economic transformation, has become one of the most important global platforms for the dissemination of art and culture. Spanish portal El Mundo stressed that its significance goes far beyond entertainment - it is also a window into the story of national unity, prosperity and harmony.

As the most important traditional holiday of the Chinese nation, Spring Festival is gaining wider international recognition for its historical and cultural value. It symbolises new beginnings and the renewal of life, while conveying the values of family reunion, tolerance and harmonious coexistence. It is these principles that find resonance in the universal emotions of people around the world. Some foreign media point out that in times of geopolitical tension and global uncertainty, the Spring Festival promotes cultural dialogue and international exchange.

The Year of the Horse is also the second year of celebration after the inscription of the „Spring Festival - Chinese Social Practice of Celebrating the Traditional New Year“ on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In Chinese tradition, the horse is a symbol of strength, perseverance and tireless effort, expressing the expectation of steady progress and a prosperous future. A number of world leaders and representatives of international organisations have sent New Year's greetings and praised the importance of cooperation, solidarity and common development.

In a volatile and uncertain world, China continues to promote quality development and expand its openness to the world, contributing to the stability and predictability of the international environment, according to many foreign observers. At the same time, the growing interest in learning about China is fueling a global „China fever“ and a growing interest in Chinese culture.

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