Chinese lantern festival opens in Serbian capital

By Talha Ozturk

BELGRADE, Serbia (AA) - Serbia joined the celebration of the Chinese New Year on Monday.

The Lantern Festival or Chinese Festival of Light marking final day of the traditional Chinese New Year Spring Festival period was opened in the capital Belgrade for the first time.

The festival at the Kalemegran Fortress in the center of the city where visitors can enjoy the China light calais is organized for the Chinese New Year until Feb. 24.

Speaking at the opening of the festival, Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic said that Serbia and China have a "contemporary steel friendship.

"With the desire to bring progress, wealth and success to the year, I invite all citizens to visit this exhibition until Feb. 24 and enjoy meeting Chinese culture," Brnabic said. "Happy New Year."

China's Ambassador to Serbia, Chen Bo, said in the Serbian language China's New Year is the most important day of the year. The time of joy and family gathering, assessing that China and Serbia are geographically distant, but that the hearts of the people of the two countries are closely linked.

"This year, according to the Chinese calendar, is a year of golden pig, which is a symbol of happiness and wealth. I want prosperity for China and Serbia," said Bo.

After the speeches the festival officially kicked off with fireworks.

Zigong Haitian, Panda, Ancient Age, Wonderful Deer and Shapath Penguin are among the objects exhibited in the festival.

Entrance to the festival is free.

Laterns are made of concrete blocks and iron, sculpted with vibrant hand painted fabric and lit with led lights in the shapes of animals and other designs to reflect the tradition of the festival and spirit of the zoo.

The lantern festival dates back more than 2,000 years to the Han dynasty. The tradition is a festival to celebrate family reunion and happiness.