Copenhagen, January 28, 2025 – On the eve of the Chinese New Year, the China Cultural Center in Copenhagen and Carlsberg Group came together to host the “Happy Spring Festival · Family Moments” celebration. The event welcomed Chinese Ambassador to Denmark Wang Xuefeng and his wife, Tong Xin, along with Chinese Cultural Counsellor Liang Bin, members of the cultural center, senior executives and employees from Carlsberg of various nationalities, and artists from the Hangzhou Opera and Dance Theatre.
Held under the theme of “Reunion,” the evening blended Chinese and Western artistic traditions through captivating performances, cultural activities, and a festive feast, creating a memorable start to the Year of the Snake.
New Year Wishes: Strengthening Cultural Bonds
In his New Year speech, Ambassador Wang Xuefeng reflected on 75 years of growing Sino-Danish relations and expressed hope that the event would deepen understanding of Chinese culture. He also wished Carlsberg continued success in the year ahead.
Linda Schramm, Carlsberg’s Strategic Finance Director, emphasized the value of cultural exchange and win-win cooperation, looking forward to further collaboration with the China Cultural Center in Copenhagen.
Mu Xianghong, Director of the China Culture Center in Copenhagen, extended warm New Year greetings, noting that the Spring Festival is not only a time for family reunions but also a globally recognized cultural event, as acknowledged by UNESCO. She highlighted how the theme of “Reunion” aimed to build bridges between cultures through shared experiences.
A Fusion of Music and Dance
The evening’s performances were a highlight, beginning with the Hangzhou Opera and Dance Theatre’s rendition of Golden Snake Dance, where the Erhu and Pipa created a lively depiction of a leaping snake. The duet Rain in Jiangnan showcased the poetic elegance of southern China, while a passionate performance of the Western opera classic Libiamo ne’ lieti calici left the audience in awe.
Following the performances, guests enjoyed a traditional Chinese New Year’s Eve dinner complemented by Carlsberg’s signature brews. The night culminated in an exciting lucky draw, adding to the festive cheer.
Family Moments: A Personal Touch
The “Family Moments” section added a personal touch, with cultural center staff families performing a Guzheng ensemble of Golden Snake Dance in honor of the visiting artists. A family memeber from the embassy staff families played the Dizi (bamboo flute) piece Joyful, filling the hall with clear and cheerful notes. While Carlsberg families also presented a piano solo, underscoring the cross-cultural spirit of the event.
Interactive cultural zones added further engagement—guests tried their hands at traditional paper-cutting, received calligraphy blessings from Ambassador Wang and center staff, and took part in a lively bottle-rolling game with Year of the Snake-themed prizes. This celebration was not just a cultural feast but also a meaningful way to build friendships.
As the evening drew to a close, guests exchanged warm wishes, marking a joyful conclusion to the Year of the Snake festivities.
