On February 1, 2026, the “Celebrating the Spring Festival Together · Cultural Exchange and Mutual Learning—2026 ‘Golden Horse Welcomes Spring’ China–Greece Spring Festival Gala,” jointly hosted by the Business Confucius Institute in Athens and the Chinese Union in Greece, was successfully held at Divine Hall in Athens. Faculty members, students, and distinguished guests gathered to celebrate the arrival of the Chinese New Year in a joyful and festive atmosphere.
The event was attended by Professor Vasilios Vasdekis, Rector of the Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB); Mr. Wang Jin, Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Greece; Associate Professor Alexandros Papalexandris, Greek Co-Director of the Business Confucius Institute in Athens; Ms. Yan Hongwei, Chinese Co-Director of the Institute; and Mr. Zou Yong, representative of the Chinese Union in Greece, together with members of the academic community, students, and friends of the Institute. The celebration opened with a lively lion dance performance, followed by a traditional eye-dotting ceremony, during which the guests jointly dotted the eyes of the lion with a brush, symbolizing the awakening of the lion and the bringing of good fortune and prosperity for the New Year.
In his remarks, Professor Vasilios Vasdekis reviewed the development of the Athens Business Confucius Institute since its establishment and highly praised its continuous efforts in Chinese language education, cultural activities, and academic exchange between China and Greece. He reaffirmed the strong support of the Athens University of Economics and Business for the Institute and its ongoing cooperation with partner institutions in both teaching and academic fields.
During the gala, students of the Institute presented a series of lively and refined performances, highlighting their progress in Chinese language learning and their growing understanding of Chinese culture. Faculty members and students jointly delivered musical performances, with highlights including the bilingual rendition of Jasmine Flower, expressive solo performances, and a dynamic kuaiban presentation entitled One World, One Family, inspired by an educational visit to China. The segment concluded with a moving poetry recitation in Chinese, reflecting the students’ deep connection with the Chinese language and culture.
In parallel with the performances, a Chinese calligraphy cultural experience booth was set up at the venue. Volunteer teachers wrote the character “福” (Fu), symbolizing good fortune, as well as auspicious Spring Festival blessings, introducing guests to the artistic charm of Chinese calligraphy. Many participants stopped to experience the festive atmosphere through the fragrance of ink and brush, further enhancing the cultural richness of the celebration.
The event was not only a joyful celebration of the Chinese New Year, which in 2026 begins on February 17, but also a vivid reflection of the Business Confucius Institute in Athens’ continued commitment to integrating language education with cultural practice. Looking ahead, the Institute will remain dedicated to promoting Chinese language education and cultural exchange, further strengthening mutual understanding and friendship between China and Greece.
