By Kuben Chetty
As 2025 begins, the world once again turns its gaze toward China for one of the globe’s most widely celebrated cultural traditions: the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival. In recent statements, the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson invited international visitors to partake in the festivities—a gesture that underscores China’s eagerness to share its rich heritage on a global stage. This year, the United Nations has also issued a special stamp sheet to mark the Year of the Snake, highlighting not just the cultural depth of this festival but its growing global influence.
Chinese New Year, which typically takes place in late January or early February, marks the start of the lunar calendar. It is a period of renewal, rooted in centuries-old customs and stories. The Chinese zodiac, a system that assigns each year to an animal sign, plays a major role in how families across China (and increasingly around the world) celebrate. From house cleaning rituals to elaborate family reunion dinners, these traditional practices are meant to usher in good fortune and ward off ill luck. With UNESCO recently acknowledging the Spring Festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, global fascination with this tradition has risen substantially—even Croatian experts have weighed in on its powerful cross-cultural influence.
Across China, various activities have already begun to welcome the Spring Festival. Vibrant flower markets, dazzling lantern displays, and lion dance troupes fill city streets and rural towns alike. These events are increasingly drawing foreign tourists, many of whom are eager to experience first-hand the striking visual and auditory sensations of the Chinese New Year—firecracker displays, parades, and of course, the hearty banquets.
From a South African perspective, the Chinese New Year’s message resonates with our own diverse cultural celebrations. In many ways, Spring Festival mirrors South African gatherings that focus on family, community, and the shared hope for future prosperity. Just as we see an uptick in cultural tourism during events like the Cape Town Carnival, China is anticipating a significant influx of travellers. This tourism boost is not only an economic boon, but also an opportunity for cultural exchange—a chance for visiting tourists to taste, see, and feel the vibrancy of Chinese traditions, while sharing their own stories back home.
Notably, the United Nations’ decision to issue a stamp sheet for the 2025 Chinese Lunar New Year highlights the festival’s importance on the world stage. Stamps are more than mere collectibles; they serve as tiny ambassadors of culture and history. By immortalising the Year of the Snake in this manner, the UN is acknowledging how integral Chinese New Year traditions have become, even in global discourse. These stamps may one day turn into valuable keepsakes, reminding us of a time when cultural exchange was at the forefront of international relations.
At home in South Africa, there is growing interest in how Chinese customs intersect with our own. For instance, the vibrant lion dance can be found in certain parts of the country, particularly in multicultural communities. Local Chinese communities in Johannesburg, Durban, and Cape Town host open celebrations, where South Africans from all backgrounds can experience the joy and excitement of the Spring Festival. The scent of Chinese pastries and dishes like dumplings and noodles fills the air, while red lanterns are strung up in streets to symbolise good luck. Many local businesses, eager to attract customers of various cultures, also join in by offering festive promotions.
For those who are intrigued by these festivities but cannot make the journey to China this year, digital technology provides a window into the celebrations. Livestreams of temple fairs, cooking demonstrations, and cultural performances enable virtual participation. This new era of technology-driven inclusivity has made the festival accessible to millions of people worldwide, fostering a deep admiration for the visual and auditory tapestry of Chinese culture. Whether it’s the crackle of firecrackers or the graceful moves of traditional dancers, the essence of Spring Festival can now be experienced far beyond China’s borders.
In light of global travel’s gradual resumption, China’s invitation to the world to experience the Chinese New Year in person carries even more significance. Many South African travel agencies are now including special packages that highlight festivities in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and other major cities. These tours often combine heritage excursions to Great Wall sites, ancient temples, and traditional neighbourhoods—all leading up to the grand celebrations on New Year’s Eve. For adventurous South Africans, it’s a chance to discover the full spectrum of Chinese culture, from its historical treasures to its modern economic hubs.
Ultimately, the Chinese New Year has evolved from a local tradition into an international event, uniting families in China and engaging spectators worldwide. It’s a time of joy, gratitude, and aspiration, reminding us all of the universal desire for renewed hope and prosperity. As the Spring Festival festivities kick off, South Africans have plenty of reasons to pay attention—whether to learn about ancient cultural practices, explore new travel frontiers, or simply embrace the spirit of global community. The Year of the Snake invites us not only to look toward China, but also to look within ourselves, seeking new beginnings and shared values that cross cultural boundaries.