Shandong Art Troupe delights Cubans with New Year greetings

With festive Chinese music and dances, acrobatics, magic shows and martial arts performances, the Shandong Art Troupe staged an exciting show during the 27th Havana International Book Fair in the Cuban capital of Havana on Feb 2.

The show at Havana's Alicia Alonso Grand Theater delivered a wonderful New Year's greeting to the people of Cuba prior to the Chinese New Year.

The Spring Festival atmosphere was livened up by performances of classic Peking Opera, a dazzling display of Chinese acrobatics as well as upbeat and vibrant Chinese music and dances, attracting crowds of local residents.

Acrobats from Shandong Art Troupe juggle straw hats and dance in Michael Jackson's style at a Chinese cultural gala during the 27th Havana International Book Fair in the Cuban capital Havana on Feb 2. [Photo/Cultural Shandong]

The Shandong Art Troupe also gave performances at the opening ceremony of the book fair on Feb 1.

According to the Shandong Art Troupe, the Chinese cultural gala also represented a great moment of various activities where China was the nation guest of honor during this year’s Havana International Book Fair.

Abel Prieto, Cuban minister of culture, said the variety and beauty of the gala showcased China's diversity.

Artists from Shandong Art Troupe perform Peking Opera at a Chinese cultural gala during the 27th Havana International Book Fair in the Cuban capital Havana on Feb 2. [Photo/Cultural Shandong]

"I am very happy with how the Chinese government assumed the commitment to be the nation guest of honor at our book fair ... They made a real effort to bring China's culture as an important gift for readers and in general for the Cuban public," he said.

The 27th Havana International Book Fair commenced on Feb 1 at the old Fortress of San Carlos de la Cabana in Havana. It is a major event in the Cuban publishing sector and is considered an important cultural event in the nation.

Artists from Shandong Art Troupe pose for a group photo after the Chinese cultural gala during the 27th Havana International Book Fair in the Cuban capital Havana on Feb 2. [Photo/Cultural Shandong]

According to the book fair organizers, about 122 exhibitors from 22 nations attended the event at the main venue. The event is held in 22 sub-venues as well due to its broad academic, artistic and literary program, impossible to assemble people in a single site.

It will conclude its first stage in Havana on Feb 11 before traveling through the rest of the country until it ends on May 13 in the eastern city of Santiago de Cuba.

Xinhua contributed to the story.