China Media Group (CMG) hosted its special "Prelude to the Spring Festival Gala: The World Watches the CMG Gala Together" event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Friday, marking a significant moment in the global celebration of the Chinese New Year. Held at the African Union Headquarters, the event attracted more than 400 attendees, including officials, diplomats, and cultural enthusiasts. It kicked off with screenings of the 2026 CMG Spring Festival Gala and “China Travel with Chinese Films” promotional videos, setting a festive and celebratory tone for the occasion.

In a video message, Shen Haixiong, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and president of China Media Group (CMG), highlighted the growing global recognition of the Spring Festival as a shared cultural celebration.

He noted that the Spring Festival, a cultural symbol of Chinese civilization, is now celebrated by about one-fifth of the world’s population, with nearly 20 countries and regions designating it as a public holiday. Held for 43 consecutive years, the CMG Spring Festival Gala has become the world’s most-watched annual cultural event and a “spiritual reunion dinner” for Chinese communities worldwide.

Shen also expressed expectations for this year’s gala, themed “Galloping Steed, Onward Unstoppable,” which will leverage CMG’s innovations in 5G, 4K/8K and AI, along with broadcasting in 85 languages. He said the gala will reach global audiences through thousands of overseas screens and a series of “Prelude” events, sharing the festive, inclusive spirit of the Chinese New Year.

In a written message, Dr. Mahamoud Ali Yousouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, highlighted the Chinese New Year as a time for family reunion, renewal, and hope—values shared across Africa. Looking ahead to the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, he noted that platforms like the CMG Spring Festival Gala allow people worldwide to experience the richness of Chinese culture.

Dr. Yousouf emphasized that such cultural exchanges deepen mutual understanding and friendship between Africa and China. On behalf of the African Union, he extended his warmest wishes for health, happiness, and prosperity to the Chinese people.

Mohamed El-Amine Souef, Chief of Staff to the AUC Chairperson, expressed that the seamless coexistence of China’s modern scientific achievements with its ancient traditions offers a profound lesson for the African continent. He remarked that the spirit of the Chinese New Year serves as an inspiration for Africa to further cherish and revitalize its own cultural heritage. Drawing on the metaphor of a tree, Mr. Souef suggested that just as deep roots provide stability against the wind, maintaining a strong cultural foundation allows African societies to remain grounded and resilient even as they embrace rapid technological progress and modernization.

The event featured spectacular performances by an Ethiopian folk art troupe, who presented a selection of Chinese cultural songs and dances. Their performance captured the vibrant spirit of the Spring Festival and the festive joy of Chinese New Year.

In addition to the Chinese cultural performances, the event featured a screening of Ne Zha 2, the record-breaking Chinese film that has set multiple global box-office benchmarks. Concurrently, China Media Group hosted exhibits showcasing Chinese New Year customs and China-Africa cultural exchanges, alongside a CMG Spring Festival Gala creative products booth. Guests explored the displays, experiencing the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture firsthand.