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The Chinese New Year Temple Fair took place in Helsinki on 22 January 2025, celebrating the Year of the Snake. The event was held at Narinkkatori Square in Kamppi from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. This annual fair, organised as part of the “Happy Chinese New Year” celebration, has been a joint initiative of Helsinki and Beijing since 2007.
The event showcased a range of cultural performances, traditional activities, and exhibitions to highlight Chinese New Year traditions. Dragon and lion dances were performed alongside musical acts, acrobatics, and kung fu demonstrations. Visitors also participated in cultural activities, including sugar painting, Peking Opera face painting, and shadow puppetry.
Chinese cuisine featured prominently, with stalls offering authentic dishes. Cultural exhibitions included Cantonese embroidery, which is recognised as an intangible cultural heritage. Handcrafted New Year-themed products, such as embroidered handbags and cashmere scarves, were displayed and sold.
The fair also featured interactive elements, including a raffle offering intangible cultural heritage gifts as prizes. Organised by the Chinese Finnish Friendship Association and co-hosted by members of Finland’s overseas Chinese community, the event has grown into Finland’s most prominent celebration of Chinese culture, attracting both locals and members of the Chinese diaspora.
During the fair, China Media Group (CMG) introduced its annual Spring Festival Gala, a highly anticipated event broadcast during the Chinese New Year. Known for its wide reach and popularity, the gala brings together performances from across China and abroad.
To promote the gala, CMG presented cultural and creative products at the Helsinki fair. These included a doll representing the gala’s mascot, which was unveiled at the event. The mascot’s design reflects traditional Chinese aesthetics, aligning with the festive spirit of the Spring Festival.
The collaboration between CMG and the temple fair organisers underlines the shared aim of fostering cultural exchange. The gala, often referred to as the most-watched TV programme in the world, serves as a platform for showcasing Chinese art, music, and dance.
The Helsinki temple fair, celebrating its 18th year, continues to draw attention to the richness of Chinese traditions. By integrating the Spring Festival Gala into this year’s event, CMG highlighted its role in connecting people to Chinese culture.
Cultural partnerships such as this contribute to a deeper understanding of Chinese New Year traditions and their significance.
The Spring Festival Gala, produced by China Media Group (CMG), has been an annual fixture on Chinese New Year’s Eve since its first broadcast in 1983. Known in Chinese as “Chunwan,” it has become a cultural institution, watched by millions in China and across the globe. Combining music, dance, comedy, acrobatics, and dramatic performances, the gala serves as a reflection of Chinese traditions while incorporating modern elements. Its aim is to unite audiences through performances that celebrate cultural heritage and contemporary achievements.
Last year’s programme, themed around the Year of the Dragon, featured a blend of traditional and modern acts. Highlights included classical Chinese music, dragon-themed dances, and martial arts displays. Emerging technologies, such as augmented reality, were integrated into the performances to enhance the visual experience. The gala also included skits addressing current societal topics, providing moments of reflection alongside the entertainment. More details on the 2024 gala can be found in the Helsinki Times article here.
The 2025 Spring Festival Gala, produced by China Media Group (CMG), will air on the evening of 29 January, Chinese New Year’s Eve. The programme will feature a mix of traditional Chinese art forms, including Peking Opera and folk dances, alongside contemporary performances by popular musicians and comedians. Advanced technologies, such as virtual reality and 3D visual effects, are expected to enhance the spectacle, continuing the gala’s reputation for combining tradition with innovation.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
