The Year of the Tiger

A concoction of ancient martial arts, drama, music and paintings will make for a sensual celebration during the Chinese Spring Festival to be held in Valletta on February 8 heralding the Chinese New Year.

The first ingredient in this kaleidoscope consists of 60 oil paintings by students from some of the most prestigious academies in China.

"The missionaries who went to China to spread Christianity about 400 years ago had sown the seeds of oil painting, a genre that has gone through fascinating transformations," Zheng Hao, director of the China Cultural Centre in Valletta said.

The exhibition, at the cultural centre, will run till the end of March and can be viewed Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 5.30 p.m.

The public will be able to watch a fantastic performance by Chinese artistes on February 8, at 10.30 a.m. at the newly-revamped St George's Square in Valletta.

After the one-hour show, Republic Street will come alive as acrobats and dancers display their cutting edge skills in the Lion Dance followed by a 10-minute show at the Upper Barrakka Gardens.

The grand finale will be on February 9 at 8 p.m. at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta where the whole contingent from Beijing will give a breathtaking show.

Two highlights of the Chinese New Year are dinner and fireworks on the eve of the landmark day, Mr Zheng explained.

"The Chinese New Year is a family re-union where people visit parents, family members and friends. A sumptuous dinner is consumed as people stay up late until midnight and let off fireworks. Most Chinese go to bed early," Mr Zheng noted.

The Chinese New Year dinner will be held at the Grand Hotel Excelsior, in Floriana on February 13, at 8 p.m., on the eve of the start of the Year of the Tiger.

More information on the events taking place at the MCC is available via www.mcc. com.mt or by calling 2559 5750/2559 5751. In the case of the Chinese New Year dinner once can call 2125 0520.

The Chinese Spring Festival is organised by the China Cultural Centre in collaboration with the Valletta local council.