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A Festive Fusion in Athens: "WeDu" Series for Chinese New Year

"WE DU" Chinese new year activities

February 2022

A Festive Fusion in Athens: The “Guochao Parade” and the Sino Hellenic Performing Art Alliance’s “WeDu” Series for Chinese New Year
On January 21, 2022, what seemed like an ordinary Friday in Athens transformed into a vibrant celebration of Chinese culture and tradition. As the bustling crowd gathered near the iconic Panathenaic Stadium, a stunning scene unfolded—Confucius himself stood in front of the magnificent marble structure, engaging in conversation with local Greeks. Surrounding him were Chinese participants, dressed in colorful, traditional costumes, adding an air of festivity to the city center. This remarkable sight was a part of the Guochao Clothing Parade, organized by the Sino Hellenic Performing Art Alliance as part of the “WeDu” Chinese New Year series, celebrating the arrival of the Year of the Tiger.

 

The “WeDu” series, which translates to “We Cross,” symbolizing unity and shared experiences across borders, included several creative and engaging events designed to bring the Chinese community and Greek locals together. These activities celebrated cultural heritage while adapting to the ongoing challenges of the pandemic. The Guochao Parade, one of the main highlights, was just the third installment in a larger lineup of events that spanned the Lunar New Year celebrations.

 

Participants in the Guochao Parade, donning intricate Chinese traditional attire, embarked on a scenic journey through some of Athens’ most iconic landmarks. The parade started at the Acropolis, making stops at Syntagma Square, the Neoclassical Triad, Piraeus Port, and the Panathenaic Stadium. At each stop, the fusion of Chinese and Greek history and culture came to life, sparking conversations and curiosity from onlookers.

 

At Syntagma Square, the contrast between the vibrant Chinese costumes and the dignified uniforms of the Greek presidential guards created a memorable sight, symbolizing hope as the cold winter of the pandemic made way for a brighter, more optimistic spring. In front of the Academy of Athens, spectators imagined what an intellectual exchange between Confucius and Socrates might have been like, while at Piraeus Port, the group reflected on the port’s resurgence, thanks to ongoing cooperation between China and Greece.

 

The final stop at the Panathenaic Stadium was capped by a special performance from Italian singer Melania, a member of the Sino Hellenic Performing Art Alliance’s Katarsis band. Melania, dressed in a striking blue gown, led the crowd in a rendition of Together for a Shared Future, the theme song of the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics. Her fluent Mandarin and professional vocal skills drew admiration from both the audience and passersby, as people joined in song or danced along, celebrating the festive spirit of the event.

We are deeply inspired to continue our journey in contributing to the world of theater and fostering cultural enrichment. Each new production represents not just an artistic endeavor but also an opportunity to bring people together, transcending geographical, linguistic, and cultural boundaries. As we move forward, our aim is to strengthen the bonds between diverse communities and spark meaningful conversations through the universal language of art. 

 

The Guochao Parade was just one part of the larger “WeDu” series, which included five unique events that allowed the Chinese community in Greece to celebrate the Lunar New Year while coping with the challenges of the pandemic.

  1. WeDu One: Pandemic Venting Event 
  2. WeDu Two: New Skills Unlocked During the Pandemic 
  3. WeDu Three: Guochao Fashion Parade 
  4. WeDu Four: Online Concert for the Year of the Tiger 
  5. WeDu Five: Welcoming the God of Wealth and Receiving Gifts on the Fifth Day

 

The Sino-Hellenic Performance Arts Alliance has proudly received recognition from China Central Television (CCTV) for its “WeDu” Series Activities celebrating the Chinese New Year. These events, featuring a blend of traditional Chinese culture with a modern twist, were designed to foster greater cultural exchange between China and Greece. From the Chinese Wushu Kung Fu Day to the National Trend Costume Parade and the Spring Festival Online Concert, the “WeDu” series brought unique Chinese festivities to life in Greece.