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 celebrations brought additional colour to the Serbian capital, combining traditional festivities with a New Year's market and the symbolic opening of a new Chinatown area.

Festivities began at Belgrade Waterfront, the city's newest riverside district. 

Beneath Serbia's tallest tower, high-ranking officials and ordinary citizens gathered on the eve of the holiday to bid farewell to the Year of the Snake and welcome the Year of the Horse. Cultural performances, traditional dances and Chinese cuisine drew large crowds despite winter temperatures.

Serbian artist Slobodan Trkulja described the atmosphere as festive and immersive.

"People at Belgrade Waterfront tonight experienced an amazing program, including the lion dance, and some exquisite Chinese cuisine. Happy New Year from Serbia!" he said.

Food stalls offering a variety of Chinese dishes became one of the main attractions of the evening. 

Among those sampling the cuisine was Serbia's Agriculture Minister Dragan Glamocic, who shares a personal connection with Chinese food.

"We, in Serbia, enjoy Chinese food. I had the opportunity to try Chinese food for the first time some 30 years ago when I ate it with two roommates from China," he said while tasting the dishes. 

"I visited China twice, and I really enjoy Chinese food, especially when it's like this – spicy. So here you see how great it is. This speaks more than any words," the minister added.

The following morning brought rain and colder weather, but celebrations continued. Hundreds of people gathered at Belgrade's emerging Chinatown, located at the Belmax Center, to officially mark the first day of the Chinese New Year. 

The event featured a blend of Serbian and Chinese music and dance performances, offering visitors a closer look at Chinese traditions. Organizers said the turnout exceeded expectations given the conditions.

"We are quite happy with the turnout considering the temperature and the rain. We are very pleased with the amount of people who decided to show up. And this shows a great friendship between Serbia and China, and that they are interested in our culture and participating in this activity," said David Huang, Director of the Belmax Center.

The celebrations highlighted both the growing presence of the Chinese community in Serbia and its willingness to integrate, exchange customs and celebrate shared traditions with the local population.