The poster of 2018 Happy Chinese New Year in Valletta showcases the planned activities. [Photo/Chinaculture.org]

A news conference for the 2018 Happy Chinese New Year in Valletta was held Jan 12 in the China Cultural Center in Malta, kicking off this year's celebrations for the Chinese Lunar New Year in the country.

Wang Yanjun, director of the China Cultural Center in Malta, briefed the audience on the 2018 Happy Chinese New Year in Valletta, a major event co-organized by the China Cultural Center and Valletta Local Council.

Wang said with the joint efforts of both nations, the celebrations during Chinese Lunar New Year have developed into one of Valletta’s annual events, contributing to the mutual understanding and cultural communication between China and Malta.

During the celebration, 18 major activities will be staged, including livestreaming, exhibitions, film screenings, a parade, a temple fair, a Chinese ancient poetry reading and other festival celebrations by Chinese artists.

On Feb 13, the Malta Carnival, with an outstanding history of 483 years, will welcome its first Chinese art troupe, the Zhejiang Wu Opera Troupe, to give performances for the Maltese people. 

The Chinese Zodiac Creativity Exhibition , an event featuring woodblock printing, paper-cutting and shadow play about the 12 Chinese zodiac animals attracted a lot of local visitors on Jan 12.