A Chinese acrobatic team will usher in the Year of the Goat with a performance in Valletta next month.

The eighth edition of the Chinese New Year will be launched at Teatru Rjal on February 8 at 10am by the Guangxi Acrobatic Troupe.

Later that evening, at 6pm, the Chinese artists will give a 90-minute show at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta.

Ambassador Cai Jinbiao said the Chinese New Year was one of the most celebrated and popular festivities in his country that brought together families at a time of renewal and reunion.

The Year of the Goat followed the Year of the Sheep and was linked to beauty, justice, wisdom and prosperity, he told a press conference yesterday.

The events are being organised by the Chinese Embassy and the China Cultural Centre in collaboration with the Valletta local council under the patronage of the Justice Ministry.

Founded in 1952, the Guangxi Acrobatic Troupe is a professional performing art group consisting of folk artists from the Han and Zhuang, Hui, Miao, Yao and Dong minorities.

Over the past 57 years, the troupe visited more 40 countries and regions with the aim of promoting the acrobatics industry and enhancing friendship among people.

For more information about the events call on 2122 5055 or send an e-mail to maltaccc@gmail.com.

Eighth in the line-up

• The goat comes eighth in the Chinese zodiac.

• The 12 zodiac animals are: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

• According to Chinese astrology, each year (starting from the Chinese New Year) is associated with an animal sign, occurring in a 12-year cycle.

• Lucky colours: brown, red and purple.

• Lucky numbers: 2 and 7

• Lucky flowers: carnation and primrose

• Year of birth: 1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015, 2027.

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