Belgrade hosts Chinese New Year Gala prelude as cultural ties with China deepen

For the eighth consecutive year, Serbia has marked the arrival of the Chinese New Year, underscoring the growing cultural ties between Belgrade and Beijing. 

This year's celebration took place at the Chinese Cultural Center in the Serbian capital, where China Media Group (CMG), together with the Chinese Embassy and Serbia's Ministry of Culture, organized a prelude to CMG's annual Spring Festival Gala — widely regarded as the most watched television show in the world.

The event offered Serbian audiences a local introduction to the globally renowned CMG gala. Preparations inside the Cultural Center began with a children's choir rehearsing on stage, guided by their conductor through final instructions as anticipation built ahead of the performance. The young performers were among the evening's highlights, drawing enthusiastic reactions even before the official programme began.

As rehearsals wrapped up, invited guests started arriving at the venue. Among them were senior Serbian officials, members of parliament, cultural figures, and members of the public. The hall soon filled to capacity, decorated predominantly in red — a colour traditionally associated with good fortune and celebration in Chinese culture. The formal program followed shortly after, combining music, performances, and symbolic elements linked to the Lunar New Year.

Addressing the audience, Chinese Ambassador to Serbia, Li Ming, spoke about the expanding international reach of Chinese New Year traditions. "In recent years, with the global popularity of CCTV's 'Spring Festival Gala Prelude' event, the rich flavor of the Chinese New Year has increasingly spread throughout the world," he said. 

"The Spring Festival is a window showcasing Chinese culture. The upside-down 'Fu' character and Spring Festival couplets express heartfelt sentiments, fully demonstrating the Chinese cultural heritage and the pursuit of a better life."

More than half of those attending were Serbian guests, many of whom said they were eager to experience a preview of the famous CMG gala while also reflecting on the broader relationship between the two countries. 

Serbia's Deputy Prime Minister Ivica Dačić highlighted the political and strategic dimension of those ties. "China is certainly one of our greatest friends, but be convinced that Serbia is the greatest friend of China in Europe," he said. "May harmony reign in every one of your homes."

One of the most striking moments of the evening came with a performance by humanoid robots developed by the Chinese company Agibot. As the robots danced on stage, dozens of spectators raised their phones to capture the moment, reflecting both fascination with new technology and interest in China's innovation-driven image.

Organizers described the Belgrade gala prelude as a success, positioning it as a cultural bridge ahead of CMG's flagship Spring Festival broadcast, watched by hundreds of millions worldwide.