YANGON, Jan. 25 (Xinhua) -- Celebrations of Chinese Lunar New Year ceremonially kicked off in Chinatown in Myanmar’s Yangon on Saturday, first day of the Year of Rat in Chinese lunar calendar.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, Yangon Region Chief Minister U Phyo Min Thein extended greetings and wishes to the people in the country, calling for participation in efforts for socio-economic development by preserving the multicultural traditions in the country.
“The Year of Rat represents luck and wisdom in Chinese culture. I would like to encourage holding such traditional celebrations which bring the two countries’ people closer to strengthen China-Myanmar relation,” said Li Xiaoyan, Charge d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Myanmar.
As part of celebrations, booths which display varieties of Chinese traditional handicrafts were seen along the road of the Chinatown which is fully decorated with red lanterns and archways.
“I love this festive aura with enchanting decoration. I believe such kind of festival could bring closer ties between the two peoples,” Mya Mya Ei, one of the merrymakers, told Xinhua.
