2025 Spring Festival Gala: A Touching Celebration of Humanity and Cultural Heritage

The 2025 Spring Festival Gala, an annual event produced and broadcast by China Media Group, kicked off on the eve of the Chinese New Year. This year’s celebration was particularly significant as it marked the first edition since UNESCO recognized the Spring Festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Since its inception in 1983, the gala has become a cherished tradition for Chinese families worldwide, symbolizing family reunions and cultural pride.

The gala, known as "Chunwan," exceeded expectations this year by embracing the stories and lives of everyday people. It has transformed into a platform that reflects the essence of the 'Spring Festival Gala of the People.' This year, individuals from various walks of life were invited to share their personal stories and participate in performances, from police officers and railway crew members to renowned internet personalities. This approach celebrated the diversity and contributions of ordinary citizens.

One of the highlights of this year's event was the introduction of barrier-free broadcasting, aimed at visually and hearing-impaired audiences. The gala utilized cutting-edge augmented reality (AR) technology and AI voice recognition to create a more inclusive viewing experience. Sign language interpreters, enhanced with AR effects, and audio descriptions ensured that everyone could partake in the festivities, further solidifying the gala's role as a universal celebration of cultural heritage.

A Celebration of Cultural Richness

As the first gala following its UNESCO recognition, the 2025 event placed a special emphasis on showcasing China's rich intangible cultural heritage. The opening performance, titled "Welcoming Fortune," utilized advanced technologies such as AR and 3D visual displays to illustrate traditional customs associated with the Chinese New Year. Performances ranged from vibrant paper-cutting art to the captivating spectacle of cast iron flower displays, capturing the diversity and depth of China's cultural expressions.

Another notable performance was "The Pillars and Beams," inspired by Beijing's Central Axis, which gained UNESCO World Heritage status in 2024. The integration of modern digital art provided an immersive experience, detailing ancient Chinese architectural wonders and effectively marrying tradition with modernity.

Apart from being a national phenomenon, the gala serves as a global event by inviting participation from around the world. Among the attendees was Evan Kyle, a young American who donated a WWII photo album to China, along with musical acts from foreign artists such as the American band OneRepublic, who performed their hit song "Counting Stars." The cross-cultural blending continued with Chinese and Peruvian singers performing a fusion of the popular northern Shaanxi tune "Lan Huahua" and the iconic Peruvian song "El Condor Pasa."

Through CGTN's multilingual platforms, this year's gala reached audiences in over 200 countries and regions. With live broadcasts in various languages, including English, Spanish, French, Arabic, and Russian, the gala continues to act as a cultural bridge, connecting diverse populations worldwide.

CGTN also initiated a fun dance challenge for the Year of the Snake, encouraging participation from over 70 countries and regions in celebration. The media group is set to broadcast a special Spring Festival edition titled "Super Night" on the eve of the Chinese New Year, bringing vibrant programs to a global audience and further promoting cross-cultural exchanges.

In conclusion, the 2025 Spring Festival Gala served as a heartwarming reminder of cultural unity and human connection. By spotlighting individual contributions and utilizing modern technology, it effectively fostered inclusivity and celebrated the richness of heritage, ensuring that this time-honored event continues to thrive as a beloved tradition.

For more details, visit CGTN News.