Vibrant celebrations illuminate Ningbo village

Villagers from across Ningbo perform at a gala in celebration of the upcoming Chinese New Year on Jan 25. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]

The 2024 "Our Village Gala" was held in Ninghai county, Ningbo on Jan 25, during which villagers from across the city took the stage, showcasing their self-directed performances.

The gala is an annual celebration for villagers in Ningbo to welcome the Chinese New Year. This year's event attracted over 400 participants, most of whom were villagers. 

The musical performance by villagers from Lubu township in Yuyao featured a blend of Chinese folk music and modern band performance. The erhu (a traditional Chinese musical instrument) performers were a group of retirees with an average age of over 55.

The 68-year-old Xu Guiqiang is the eldest performer in the group, having played the erhu for more than 40 years.

"It is very exciting for us to perform in a city-wide gala. We’ve been practicing for the performance for over three months. It is amazing to cooperate with a young band," Xu said.

Chen Qiyang, creator of the skit "Encountering Yongwang", was inspired by a popular cafe in Yongwang village.

"Over the past two years, several paddy-field-themed cafes have opened in the village. Every weekend, Yongwang village is crowded. It has been estimated that the village attracts over 200,000 visitors annually," said Chen.

Students from Liangshan Yi autonomous prefecture in Sichuan province held a musical performance during the event. Expats living in the city were also invited to celebrate the upcoming Year of the Dragon with locals.

Residents of Yongwang village perform at the 2024 "Our Village Gala" in Ningbo on Jan 25. [Photo/Ningbo Daily]