By Joy S.Y.M Sawaneh
The Confucius Institute at Fourah Bay College (FBC) in Sierra Leone on Friday, 6th February 2026, hosted its Spring Festival Gala in celebration of the Chinese New Year at the Taiji garden, Kort-right 22 Fourah Bay College, Freetown. This event brings together Chinese nationals and Sierra Leoneans in a vibrant display of culture, friendship, and unity. The event aimed to strengthen cultural exchange and deepen the long standing relationship between China and Sierra Leone.
The colourful ceremony was marked by striking decorations in red and yellow colours that symbolize prosperity, success, and power in Chinese culture. The atmosphere reflected festivity and cultural pride as guests gathered to witness a well-coordinated programme of performances and goodwill messages.
The gala opened with an energetic Lion Dance by the Martial Arts Club, featuring two lions in red and yellow costumes. The performance immediately set a lively tone for the evening and drew enthusiastic applause from the audience.
Proceedings were steered by four Masters of Ceremony two Chinese women and two Sierra Leonean men who welcomed guests and highlighted milestones in China Sierra Leone educational cooperation, including recent Chinese scholarship successes and increased participation of Chinese students in international competitions.
Delivering the first formal address, Mr. Zhang Dianbin, Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, noted that the year marks the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, describing the partnership as strong and mutually beneficial.
Vice Chancellor and Principal of the University of Sierra Leone, Mr. Aiah Lebbie, in his remarks, emphasized the value of cultural collaboration and educational partnerships. He noted that the New Year celebration symbolizes unity, mutual respect, and shared growth between the two nations.
Also speaking, Mrs. Wu Cui highlighted the steady expansion of Chinese language teaching sites and cultural programmes across Sierra Leone. She described the Spring Festival Gala as more than a celebration, calling it a platform for memory making, friendship, and continued cooperation.
The entertainment segment featured diverse performances, including Chinese songs by students of the Ballanta Academy, traditional Chinese instrumental music, poetry recitals, and cultural dances. Interactive question and answer sessions and lucky draws kept the audience engaged throughout the evening, while discussions on Chinese cultural symbols added educational value to the festivities.
The programme concluded with a series of musical performances and a final martial arts display, followed by a group photograph that captured the spirit of unity and celebration shared by all attendees.
