Kotzia square in the centre of Athens, just opposite the Athens City Hall, was turned into a small “Chinese corner” on Sunday, as the Chinese community in Greece, joined by thousands of Greeks, celebrated the Chinese Lunar New Year with a magnificent and colorful event.
For the first time in Greece, Chinese expatriates hosted an open party to celebrate the Spring Festival, which this year coincided with Valentine’s Day and the end of carnival in Greece, their “second mother country” as they described.
Under red lanterns and drawings of Chinese zodiac signs hanging high, Greeks and Chinese enjoyed together a four-hour event which included performances of Greek and Chinese folk music and dances, Tai Ji and Kung Fu presentations, as well as recitation of poems on Spring, friendship and love.
“I wish 2010 will bring hope, love and development to both people,” Mayor of the City of Athens Nikitas Kaklamanis said in his address, stressing that friendship and cooperation between Greece and China.
Many Athenians attending the party were amazed at the expression of love by the Chinese people toward Greece and Greek civilization.
“Never in my life would I thought that in the center of Athens I could see Chinese ladies sing Greek folk songs and perform folk dances with such passion,” Maria Evangelou, a Greek elementary school teacher said.
Businessman Giorgos Konstantinopoulos was deeply touched by the Chinese community’s initiative to donate all the money raised through a lottery to a local center for homeless people.
Nine year old Andreas, who was dressed as a pirate for the carnival, felt sorry he didn’t wear a tiger costume.
“I heard today that Chinese celebrate the year of the tiger in 2010 and that tiger is the symbol of strength. Much better than a pirate! Maybe next year. Kali Hronia!”