Horses dazzle in Chantilly as French and Chinese culture unite

Chinese New Year celebrations in France have taken on a distinctly equestrian flavor in Chantilly, a northern town known as the country's 'Capital of the Horse'. 

Inside the Grand Stables of the Chateau de Chantilly, guests were treated to a blend of Chinese cultural traditions and French riding heritage, with drumming, dance and a horse show staged in an 18th-century setting. 

Chantilly is famed for its racecourse and training yards, and organizers say the setting offered a meeting point for cultures.

The vast stables, built for the 7th Prince of Condé, provided a dramatic backdrop as dancers moved across the arena floor and percussion echoed off the limestone walls. Artistic Director Sophie Bienaime told CGTN: "It's an honor to have this celebration here in the Grand stable.

"We are in the capital of the horses in Chantilly, and this place has been created by a Prince who was sure - it's a legend - that he would be reincarnated as a horse."

The reception drew diplomats and dignitaries alongside members of the public, underlining the event's focus on cultural exchange. 

Speaking at the event, China's Ambassador to France, Deng Li, told CGTN the Grand Stables was a fitting place to welcome the Year of the Horse, pointing to the animal's shared symbolism in both Chinese and French culture. 

"May the Year of the Horse bring us dynamism and wisdom, strengthening our traditional friendship and cooperation oriented toward the future," he said.

French performers, many with family roots in Asia, said the night reflected modern France's diversity. Denis, a troupe leader and performer, told CGTN: "In France, we are very diversified. Every kind of culture has a very big part, and it needs to be shared with everyone, and we cannot say one culture can succeed if we want to keep it just for us."

As the tempo increased, costumes flashed, and the crowd's attention shifted to the horses. 

Riders circled the sand in choreographed sequences, turning the arena into a stage that merged French equestrian precision with the energy of Lunar New Year celebrations.

Pauline, a drummer, said the performance carried personal meaning for French-born Chinese artists. 

"We are Chinese, but we are born in France, so it's really symbolic for us to be able to connect these two cultures, especially for such an occasion," she said.

As the Year of the Horse draws closer, the celebration's vibrant fusion of Chinese and French traditions has well and truly energized the relationship between both countries, while leaving guests looking ahead with enthusiasm and hope.