Grand Opening Ceremony, Forging Common Understandings

The celebration adopted a dual-venue format: the main venue was at The Hague City Hall, with the sub-venue at the adjacent Amare Performing Arts Center. The organizing committee broadcast the event live across multiple platforms, allowing overseas friends to watch simultaneously.On the day, the City Hall atrium was bustling with people, red lanterns hung high, and the festive atmosphere of the Spring Festival was strong.

Guests in the group photo from left to right: Chen Shengzong, Xiong Guoxiu, Marc Moquette, Jan van Zanen, Monique Knapen, Shen Bo, Zhou Weizong, Huang Qilin, Hu Guoqian, Zhang Dongxu, Hu Yunxiang, Jiang Yihua.

At 10:00 a.m. that day, Ambassador Shen Bo, Chairman Zhou Weizong, Mayor Jan van Zanen, Ms. Monique Knapen, Mr. Marc Moquette, Chairman Huang Qilin, together with overseas Chinese community representative Mr. Zhang Dongxu and others, dotted the eyes for the auspicious lions, officially kicking off the grand 2026 Year of the Horse Spring Festival Celebration by all sectors in the Netherlands.

Chairman Zhou Weizong delivered the opening speech. He affectionately reviewed the history of Chinese Spring Festival celebrations in the Netherlands — since 2002, the Chinese community has held Spring Festival galas at The Hague City Hall. From a warm community gathering at the beginning to one of the largest Asian community events in the Netherlands today, this journey witnessed the settlement and growth of the Chinese community in the Netherlands, and embodied the perseverance and inheritance of Chinese culture by generations of overseas Chinese.Chairman Zhou noted that the Spring Festival, a cultural tradition with thousands of years of history, is full of vitality, connecting people, inspiring hearts and bringing hope. Facing various challenges in this year’s preparation, he especially thanked the t efforts of all participants, Chinese communities, enterprises and indispensable volunteers, which brought people from all walks of life together again at The Hague City Hall.Looking ahead, Chairman Zhou expressed full confidence in the further development of China-Netherlands relations. Through cultural bonds  the Spring Festival, the Chinese community will continue to build a bridge of people-to-people bonds between China and the Netherlands, allowing more people to experience the warmth and inclusiveness of Chinese culture.

Mr. Jan van Zanen, Mayor of The Hague, then took the stage to deliver a speech. He mentioned that the first group of Chinese settlers arrived in The Hague about a century ago. “Since the 1950s, the Dutch people have come to appreciate the charm of Chinese cuisine through Chinese restaurants.” Today, a new generation of Chinese is not only thriving in the catering industry but also actively participating in all walks of life in Dutch society, showing vibrant energy and diverse achievements. “The Chinese community in the Netherlands has grown from a common root  a proud, flourishing tree. The Chinese people and Chinese culture have become an inseparable part of the city of The Hague.” Mayor Van Zanen specifically noted that just across Spui Square from the City Hall lies The Hague Chinatown — a district that has developed  one of the most vibrant neighborhoods in the city over the past few decades. He also invited guests to gather again in The Hague on February 21, when dragon and lion dances as well as fireworks will be held in Chinatown. At the end of his speech, the mayor extended warm New Year greetings to all attendees with a standard Chinese phrase: “Gong Xi Fa Cai”.

Mr. Huang Qilin, President of the Federation of Chinese Associations in the Netherlands, said in his speech that the Spring Festival is a sincere cultural bond for hundreds of thousands of Chinese in the Netherlands, and also a vivid practice for the Chinese community to actively integrate  and contribute to local society, as well as to promote cultural exchanges and mutual understanding between China and the Netherlands.“As an important platform for Chinese communities in the Netherlands, the Federation of Chinese Associations in the Netherlands will continue to uphold the mission of serving overseas Chinese, promoting integration and enhancing friendship. Together with all communities and friends, we will work to connect different cultures and deepen mutual understanding and cooperation.”He especially thanked The Hague City Hall for providing the beautiful venue and Mayor Van Zanen for his unremitting efforts, which brought the Spring Festival celebration back to The Hague City Hall once again.

Ms. Monique Knapen, President of the Netherlands-China Friendship Association, shared her thoughts on the profound meaning of the "Year of the Fire Horse". She pointed out that fire represents the power of transformation and change in major cultures, encouraging people to embrace new experiences with an open mind.Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Netherlands-China Friendship Association. She stated that the association will continue to dedicate itself to dialogues in cultural, educational and commercial fields, promoting mutual understanding and cooperation between China and the Netherlands. In closing, she wished everyone a vibrant and wise start to the Year of the Horse.

Mr. Marc Moquette, representative of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said in his speech that The Hague Chinatown was full of joy and laughter today, which reflects the profound foundation of China-Netherlands relations.He noted that facing profound global changes, safeguarding bilateral relations requires courage and decisive action, and he looked forward to working with the new Dutch cabinet to deepen China-Netherlands cooperation.Mr. Moquette especially thanked Ms. Monique Knapen, President of the Netherlands-China Friendship Association, for her contributions to people-to-people dialogue between China and the Netherlands.

Mr. Shen Bo, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the People's Republic of China to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, delivered the concluding speech. He pointed out that the Spring Festival is the most important traditional festival of the Chinese nation, and was officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2024.

"About one-fifth of the world’s population celebrates the Spring Festival in various forms, and themed folk events have spread to nearly 200 countries and regions. Festive 'Spring Festival red' can also be seen in many Dutch cities including The Hague, Amsterdam and Rotterdam."

Ambassador Shen stated that the Spring Festival is crossing mountains and oceans to embrace the world, gradually becoming a cultural symbol accepted, recognized and appreciated by people of all countries. He also briefed the audience on China’s economic and social achievements in 2025, and welcomed more Dutch people to visit China to experience its development vitality and achievements in person.

A Wu Opera Feast Astonishes The Hague

After the eye-dotting ceremony and speeches, a Wu Opera troupe from Jinhua, Zhejiang Province, presented a high-level traditional opera performance.The "Happy Chinese New Year · 'Nihao! China' — Wu Opera Special" was hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the People’s Republic of China and the Chinese Embassy in the Kingdom of the Netherlands, and co-organized by the Municipality of The Hague and multiple overseas Chinese organizations in the Netherlands.This marked the second time Wu Opera has been staged in the Netherlands, following its debut during the 2024 Year of the Dragon Spring Festival.

Wu Opera Lü Bu Testing the Horse

The performance was spectacular and full of climaxes.The suona solo Harvesting Jujubes ignited the audience’s enthusiasm with its loud and clear tones.The martial excerpt Blocking the Horse displayed heroic spirit amid flashing swords and shadow.Lü Bu Testing the Horse amazed the audience with highly difficult postures and movements showcasing the demeanor of a military general.

The Wu Opera “face-changing” act, accompanied by powerful drum and gong rhythms, fully demonstrated the dramatic tension and visual impact of Chinese opera.Many Dutch audience members experienced this traditional stunt up close for the first time, exclaiming in surprise and taking out their phones to capture the wonderful moments.

When the excerpt from the classic opera Three Strikes on the White Bone Demon began, the atmosphere reached its peak.With superb martial arts skills and vivid performances, the actors brought this well-known Journey to the West story to life vividly here in Europe.The daring tumbling and acrobatic moves displayed authentic, powerful martial arts. Every confrontation between the Monkey King and the demon held the audience spellbound, with constant applause and cheers echoing through the hall.

After the performance, guests posed for photos with the Wu Opera cast.

In addition to the professional troupe’s splendid show, local Chinese communities also presented a wonderful cultural performance.The children’s dance Galloping Little Horses by the Hemiao Art Troupe of Delft Chinese School kicked off the local cultural segment.Soprano singer Ji Xiaolan performed Spring Breeze Over Ten Thousand Li and Time To Say Goodbye.Young singers from the Netherlands Yijia Education Center presented an excerpt from the Peking Opera Silang Visits His Mother, the solo You Raise Me Up, guitar-accompanied song Little Happiness, and trio Vast Territory.

Groups including the Hemiao Art Troupe of Delft Chinese School, Rotterdam Chinese Women’s Dance Team, Netherlands Hanfu Society, and The Hague China Bridge Chinese Service Center successively staged wonderful dances, qipao shows and chorus pieces such as Orange Silk Shadow, Song in My Heart, Hairpin Ladies, Small Town Story and Jasmine Flower.The whole event concluded beautifully with the melodious folk song Jasmine Flower, vividly showcasing the profound heritage of Chinese culture and the warm integration of Sino-Dutch folk cultures.

Cultural Market Brings Warmth to the Spring Festival

In harmony with the grand ceremony at the main venue, the Chinese cultural market in the City Hall atrium and the Amare Performing Arts Center was equally bustling. Dozens of cultural booths were set up across both venues, featuring handicrafts, cultural and creative products, festive food, and interactive cultural experiences. Traditional cultural experience stalls — including Chinese calligraphy, paper cutting, tea art, traditional Chinese medicine, and hand-pulled noodles — drew crowds of curious Dutch visitors. Accompanied by their parents, children learned to write the character “fu” (blessing), create paper-cut window decorations, try hand-pulled noodles, and taste Chinese delicacies such as dumplings and spring rolls, with laughter and joy filling the air.

Dutch Friends Try Their Hand at Hand-Pulled Noodles

This Spring Festival celebration not only allowed the Dutch people to immerse themselves in the charm of traditional Chinese culture, but also became an important bridge for people-to-people bonds between China and the Netherlands. As the Year of the Horse approaches, this cross-border cultural feast has injected new vitality and hope  the friendly relations between the two countries.

As Ambassador Shen Bo stated in his speech: “We believe that with the t efforts of both China and the Netherlands, our two peoples will enjoy greater mutual understanding and friendship, and China-Netherlands relations will embrace a thriving spring!”

On February 14, community leaders posed for photos with the dragon and lion dance teams.

It is reported that on February 21, the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, a grand dragon and lion dance parade and fireworks display will be held in The Hague Chinatown, bringing a successful conclusion to the 2026 Year of the Horse Spring Festival celebrations in the Netherlands.

Special thanks to Junxiuwen Food Co., Ltd. for providing the lunch and Haiyan Restaurant for the dinner of this Spring Festival celebration!

The Organizing Committee of the 2026 Year of the Horse Spring Festival Celebration in the Netherlands extends special thanks to Ms. Gong Xianjun, the Chief Director, for her dedication and efforts in the preparation of the event!

(Photos of this event are provided by Zhou Shanchuan, Chen Jialiang, Ye Huaihai and other members of the Dutch Chinese Photographers Association.)

Source: China-Netherlands Business News