Haiqing town residents beam with pride at village gala

The first Village Gala for Spring Festival of the Hometown of China's Famous Tea unfolded in Haiqing town, located in Qingdao West Coast New Area, on Feb 6, the ninth day of Chinese New Year.

Villagers self-directed their own performances, resulting in an authentic and festive rural feast.

The villagers put on a lion dance performance. [Photo/WeChat account: gh_b3a5a3cad68e]

This edition of the village gala merged mass folk art displays like square dancing, yangko, and drumming with traditional opera performances. Villagers took center stage, portraying local tales and singing of their deep-rooted affection for their homeland, demonstrating the passion and spirit of the locals.

The performance, spanning over two hours, saw the convening of over 200 performers from various village communities in the town, showcasing 22 programs encompassing drumming, dance, traditional Chinese comedy, calligraphy, and more.

"Our dance routines were meticulously crafted by us. To perform at our absolute best, we held rehearsals prior to Chinese New Year. It's truly remarkable how with each dance, our confidence and vitality soar," said one villager.

As the mellifluous tunes filled the air, the curtains fell on the gala. Actors and spectators harmonized in song, extolling praises for the new era and voicing their dreams for a fresh chapter in life. The venue reverberated with joy and passion.