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Pedestrians watch a traditional dragon dance on a shopping street in downtown Shanghai on January 18, 2025. Photo: VCG

As the world welcomes 2025, I find myself in China during its most cherished celebration - the Spring Festival. 

Walking through streets illuminated by vibrant red lanterns, hearing the crackle of firecrackers and feeling the collective warmth of a nation reunited, it is impossible not to be drawn into the profound joy and significance of this ancient tradition. 

Far more than the Chinese New Year, the Spring Festival is a celebration of love for home and country - values that resonate well beyond China's borders. Inscribed by the UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, this global celebration underscores humanity's interconnectedness, reminding us that this Chinese festival is, in many ways, the world's festival.

At its essence, the Spring Festival is a celebration of home and family. In the days leading up to it, China witnessed one of the greatest annual migrations on Earth, as hundreds of millions journey back to their hometowns. Packed trains, bustling airports and highways alive with traffic are a testament to the country's commitment to togetherness. 

It is a cultural symphony, not just a logistical achievement, that places family bonds at the forefront of society.

This year, I was privileged to join a local family for their New Year's Eve dinner, a gesture I will forever treasure. Around a table brimming with dumplings, fish and other dishes, I experienced the warmth and connection that define this holiday. Laughter, storytelling and traditions handed down through generations filled the evening. It became clear that the true essence of the Spring Festival lies in its ability to unify - bridging gaps of time, distance and even culture.

Beyond intimate family gatherings, the Spring Festival is also a powerful expression of national pride. Streets adorned with red couplets, intricate paper cuttings and auspicious symbols reflect a collective cultural identity. The annual Spring Festival Gala, watched by hundreds of millions, showcases the depth and richness of Chinese art, music and theater. These traditions speak to the country's enduring love for its heritage and the shared pride of its people.

As the festival nears its conclusion, the Lantern Festival marks a joyful finale. I have been told that families will gather to admire the dazzling displays, solve riddles written on lanterns and enjoy sweet glutinous rice balls, symbolizing unity and completeness. It is a beautiful reminder that while the Spring Festival celebrates new beginnings, it also honors the bonds that sustain us.

In 2025, the world feels more interconnected than ever, and the Spring Festival has truly become a global event. As one of humanity's oldest and most meaningful holidays, it resonates with universal themes: the importance of family, the celebration of renewal, and aspirations for happiness and prosperity. 

Its inscription by the UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in late 2024 solidified its place as a bridge between cultures. To celebrate the Spring Festival is to celebrate shared human values that transcend borders. Experiencing this celebration firsthand left me with a profound sense of connection - not just to China, but to the broader human family.

As fireworks lit up the night sky, I couldn't help but think of the billions around the globe marking the occasion in their own ways. By watching a lion dance in London, savoring dumplings in Johannesburg or practicing calligraphy in Tokyo, the world is sharing in the joy and meaning of this holiday. In an era of global challenges, the Spring Festival serves as a reminder that cultural exchange is a source of unity and hope.

As the world celebrates alongside China, the Spring Festival offers a timeless message: Regardless of our origins, we are all part of a global family. Recognizing this holiday as a celebration for the world honors not only its cultural significance but also the universal values that bind us all. At its heart, the Spring Festival is a celebration of home, country and the universal desire for connection - a holiday that truly belongs to everyone.

The author is founder and secretary-general of the International Alumi Association, University of International Business and Economics. [email protected]