Jiang Feng, head of the Chinese Mission to the African Union, speaks during the 2026 Chinese New Year Bazaar in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, on Feb. 1, 2026. The 2026 Chinese New Year Bazaar was held Sunday in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year.(Xinhua/Geng Xinning)

ADDIS ABABA, Feb. 1 (Xinhua) -- The 2026 Chinese New Year Bazaar was held Sunday in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year.

Speaking at the event, which attracted government officials, business leaders, diplomats, as well as local and international visitors, Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai said the Spring Festival is a traditional festival celebrated by Chinese people all over the world and has been included in the intangible cultural heritage list of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization.

The year 2026 marks the Year of the Horse, which will begin on Feb. 17, 2026, according to the Chinese lunar calendar.

"The horse symbolizes vitality, bravery, diligence and strength, just like the ever-energetic and upward momentum of China-Ethiopia relations. I hope that in the new year, our compatriots in Ethiopia will gallop forward and achieve success," Chen said.

Nega Wedajo, deputy commissioner of Ethiopia's Oromia Tourism Commission, elaborated on the importance of horses in Ethiopian society, emphasizing the similarity between Ethiopian and Chinese cultures.

"We are here today, bringing not only Chinese but also Ethiopians to celebrate the Chinese New Year. It will help strengthen the relationship and friendship between our two countries," Wedajo said.

He said Ethiopia boasts a number of world-class tourist destinations, noting that the Oromia Tourism Commission has been working with partners to teach local guides the Chinese language to better attract and serve Chinese tourists.

Addressing the gathering, Jiang Feng, head of the Chinese Mission to the African Union, said the year 2026 marks the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, which is another significant chapter in the history of China-Africa relations.

"Holding this activity to celebrate the Chinese New Year is conducive to enhancing mutual understanding, narrowing the distance between us, and allowing more local friends to experience the charm of Chinese culture in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere," Jiang said.

Apart from exhibition booths showcasing products from Chinese and Ethiopian manufacturers, the event also featured colorful performances, including Chinese martial arts, Ethiopian fashion shows, and musical performances by Ethiopian and Chinese artists. ■

People participate in the 2026 Chinese New Year Bazaar in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, on Feb. 1, 2026. The 2026 Chinese New Year Bazaar was held Sunday in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year.(Xinhua/Geng Xinning)

Nega Wedajo, deputy commissioner of Ethiopia's Oromia Tourism Commission, speaks during the 2026 Chinese New Year Bazaar in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, on Feb. 1, 2026. The 2026 Chinese New Year Bazaar was held Sunday in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year.(Xinhua/Geng Xinning)

Chinese Ambassador to Ethiopia Chen Hai speaks during the 2026 Chinese New Year Bazaar in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, on Feb. 1, 2026. The 2026 Chinese New Year Bazaar was held Sunday in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, to celebrate the upcoming Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year.(Xinhua/Geng Xinning)