On the evening of October 20, the Ottawa Huaxing Arts Troupe, in collaboration with over 30 Chinese community organizations in Ottawa, hosted the cultural event “Cultural China: Huaxing Shining – Celebrating the 54th Anniversary of China-Canada Diplomatic Relations and the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China” in the capital city of Canada.
The organizers of the event emphasized that the main goal was to promote cultural exchanges between China and Canada, celebrate the prosperity of their homeland, and express the sentiments of nostalgia among the Chinese expatriates living in Canada.
In a message of congratulations, Wang Di, the Chinese Ambassador to Canada, expressed confidence that this themed cultural evening would not only comfort the expatriates’ homesickness but also instill a greater sense of pride in China’s significant development achievements. He highlighted that the event showcased the timeless charm of Chinese culture and facilitated friendly exchanges between the two countries.
The event was attended by various representatives from the Ottawa community, including Zhao Yong, Minister-Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Canada, former Canadian Senator Hu Zixiu, Member of Parliament Chandra Arya, and local political figures. Senator Huo Yuanbao and Jean-Guy Dagenais, along with Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe, sent congratulatory letters for the occasion.
The Ottawa Huaxing Arts Troupe featured nearly 160 performers, presenting an array of intricately choreographed acts for both live and online audiences. The performances included dances like “Haitang Poetry Society,” “Chasing Dreams,” and “Winter,” each reflecting different elements of Chinese culture. A segment from the traditional Chinese opera “The Legend of the White Snake” allowed the younger generation and their parents to appreciate the beauty of Chinese opera.
Music was also a significant part of the evening, with performances such as “Horse Racing,” a pipa duet titled “Flower Meeting,” and a zither and drum ensemble “The King Elephant,” which collectively evoked feelings of excitement and nostalgia. Choirs performed “The Curved Moon” and “Doves,” capturing the overseas Chinese’s longing for home. The event culminated in a joyful sing-along to “Love My China,” uniting performers and the audience in celebration.
Zhang Zhigang, Chairman of the Canada Chinese Cultural and Arts Association and leader of the Ottawa Huaxing Arts Troupe, noted that the success of the event was made possible by the active participation of Huaxing’s affiliated groups and the strong support from various community organizations in Ottawa, highlighting the spirit of a harmonious expatriate community.