In Cuba, celebrations for the Chinese New Year have a special meaning this year because the Spring Festival also marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations between Beijing and Havana. 

The Chinese community in Havana celebrated on the eve of the Lunar  New Year with a colorful parade showcasing China’s cultural traditions at Havana's Chinatown. The Chinese Spring Festival, dating back more than 4,000 years, is marked by expressions of fellowship between the two nations.

 "China is a huge country, Cuba is a small island. Both have learned from each other over the past 60 years. The Chinese have learned about the resistance and integrity of the Cuban people and we have learned about the perseverance and firmness of the Chinese," said Teresita Lee, Director Center of Chinese Arts

This year's celebrations mark the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Cuba and the People’s Republic of China; for this reason, the Chinese embassy in Cuba and the Cuban Culture Ministry jointly organized a very attractive cultural program.

A cuisine festival opened the program at the symbolic National Hotel of Cuba, where guests enjoyed typical dishes prepared by outstanding Chinese chefs, as well as a sampling of Chinese visual arts.

Feng Yanjun, one of the master chefs at the event, said she felt comfortable and happy in Cuba. "I am making dumplings or ravioli, a very special meal in China to share with loved ones and we invite Cubans to join the Chinese family."

The Chinese embassy also held a reception for Cubans from different social sectors, the diplomatic community and other guests to highlight the relations between the two countries.

"Thanks to the leaders of both nations, political, cultural, scientific, economic and diplomatic relations between Cuba and China have advanced considerably and this 60th anniversary is a starting point to further develop such bilateral links," Chinese Ambassador to Cuba Chen Xi told CGTN.

A special event was a performance at Havana's National Theater by the Peking Opera, which was enjoyed by Cubans from different walks of life. 

Cuba and China celebrated their historic bilateral ties which have translated into decades of cooperation.