I spent the past 7 years in China, and each year I celebrated Lunar New Year here. For most of the time, I felt homesick, especially when I saw other students leaving for their hometowns while I couldn't go home. To cope with it, I would retreat by watching movies. However, in the last few years in China, I had the opportunity to spend three Chinese New Years at my friends' houses, which was amazing. Experiencing all the excitement of the new year was unforgettable.
This year is different. I celebrated the festival in my hometown. What surprised me was encountering a large Chinese community celebrating Lunar New Year in Nairobi, Kenya. The event program was vibrant and diverse, featuring captivating performances such as dragon and lion dances, Peking Opera, Wushu demonstrations, calligraphy showcases, and enchanting performances with traditional Chinese instruments. Overall, I was thrilled to make new Chinese friends in my hometown and wish them a happy Lunar New Year.
--Sofia Abdulkadir (Kenya)