On February 15, 2022, the Confucius Institute at Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje celebrated the Year of the Tiger Lantern Festival with a virtual gala. The Chinese Ambassador, H.E. Zhang Zuo, prof. Dr. Nikola Jankulovski, Rector of Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, and Mr. Ljupco Malenkov, president of the Sino-Macedonian Friendship Association attended the online gala. An online audience of more than 80, including Confucius Institute teachers and students, as well as members of the general public, gathered online to celebrate the Lantern Festival.
The Chinese Ambassador, H.E. Zhang Zuo, in his speech emphasized the longevity of the friendly relations between China and North Macedonia, the bilateral cooperation and great progress made in epidemic prevention and control, and the promotion of people-to-people and cultural exchange. Ambassador Zhang spoke highly of the contribution the Confucius Institute has made, since its establishment nine years ago, to language education and cultural exchanges between China and North Macedonia.
Prof. Dr. Nikola Jankulovski, Rector of Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, in his address summarized the long-standing partnership and cooperation between Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje and Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in Chengdu, and the continued support they provide to the Confucius Institute. He recognized the work and the accomplishments of the Confucius Institute and concluded with best wishes for the Institute’s future development.
The Confucius Institute Directors, prof. Dr. Vlatko Stoilkov and prof. Dr. Liao Wei, briefly introduced the progress of the Confucius Institute in the past year. They expressed gratitude to all segments of North Macedonia society for the strong support they provide to the Confucius Institute and extended warm wishes to everyone.
The Lantern Festival Gala kicked off with a Tai Chi performance by teacher Rafael Núñez. Followed by Confucius Institute’s students, Stefan Gocev, Filip, Kostadinoski and Giorgi Dimov who showcased their handicrafts skills presenting to the audience four vivid and happy little tigers and displaying strong passion for Chinese culture. The marvelous solo performances of “Happy New Year (新年好)” by Marko Efremov and Anushka Moushijan “My Friends Are There (我的朋友在那里)” delighted the audience. Viktoria Mihajlova‘s recited the poem “You and I (我和你)” and deeply touched everyone.
Timotej Nikolovski’s melodious piano performance of “Congratulations (恭喜恭喜)” won bursts of applause, while the fascinating creation of a watercolor painting by Kristina Nikolova presented to the audience the classical and elegant oriental charm; and the enthusiastic two-person singing brought the gala to a climax; the “Pinyin Song (拼音歌)” sung by Marija Milanski drew a perfect ending for the gala.
The Lantern Festival Gala was a success and the students enthusiastic. Over 20 wonderful performances were presented. The gala fully demonstrated the frutful achievements of the students’ learning at the Confucius Institute, and further aroused the students’ interest and enthusiasm for the Chinese language and culture. The gala featured friendly, peaceful, joyful and auspicious atmosphere of Chinese culture and expanded the popularity and influence of the Confucius Institute in North Macedonia.