Chinese New Year celebrated in Rome

The Chinese New Year Festival is not only celebrated here in China, but also faraway in Rome. Nearly 100,000 residents and overseas Chinese gathered in the capital to witness a spectacular show.

It's not every day that you can appreciate traditional Chinese culture near Rome's iconic Colosseum.

A street parade featured a lively lion dance, to chase away evil spirits, and brings happiness, longevity and good luck for the coming year. Before the dance, the lion's eyes were painted with cinnabar, to bring them to life.

Various performances on stage, featuring glittering costumes and traditional Chinese music, was a feast for the eyes and ears to local residents.

Rome resident Belen Himenez said, "All the dresses, the costumes, the music, the whole show was amazing. I wish them a year of happiness and a lot of money because Chinese people are good at working."

The world-renowned China National Acrobatic Troupe has performed hundreds of breathtaking stunts.

Several of its outstanding members were on stage, challenging gravity and wowing audiences.

This diablo act has just won Golden Clown Award at the Monte-Carlo International Circus Festival, the largest and most prestigious circus event in the world.

The whole event was jointly held by the Chinese Embassy in Italy, the Beijing municipal government and the Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities.

Chinese ambassador to Italy Ding Wei said, "There is a saying in China, that on festival occasions, people travelling will miss their relatives more. Being abroad, I can truly relate. We hope for eternal prosperity in China."

Rome's police and a martial arts group also participated in the show.

The celebrations ended with a 20-minute fireworks display.