MORE than 1,500 cultural programs will take place in 396 cities in 133 countries and regions during the upcoming Spring Festival, said Luo Shugang, minister of culture and tourism, during the launch ceremony held Jan. 16 in Beijing for the cultural program Happy Chinese New Year.

According to Luo, Happy Chinese New Year has become the leading program with the widest coverage, the largest number of participants, and the most extensive influence in the field of foreign cultural exchanges.

In 2019, more than 30 types of cultural events — including exhibitions, art performances, parades, New Year’s fairs, forums and folk art classes — will be unveiled to the general public from late January to the end of February.

One of the highlights of this year’s program will be an excellent combination of Chinese cultural and tourism resources. Chinese folk performances and China’s cultural heritage shows will also get highlighted at more than 20 international tourism forums held during the holiday.

Big parades celebrating Chinese New Year will occur in London, Lisbon, Madrid, Buenos Aires and other cities, along with promotional events happening at the same time in those cities.

The Happy Chinese New Year lantern show will grace 10 cities including Madrid, Tokyo and Tirana. (China Daily)