Date: Saturday, May 31, 2025
Location: Association Franco-Chinois Yvelines, 22 Rue du Président Roosevelt, Sartrouville
Event Description:
Join us for a vibrant day celebrating the rich cultural heritage shared by France and China during our Spring Cultural Festival. This free event invites community members, families, and friends to immerse themselves in traditional and contemporary cultural experiences designed to foster mutual understanding and joy.
The festival opens at 10:00 AM with a welcome speech by the association’s president, highlighting the significance of cultural exchange and the deep historical ties between France and China. Following the introduction, attendees can explore a range of activities organized across several areas within our premises.
From 10:30 AM, the cultural exhibition hall will showcase traditional Chinese arts and crafts, including calligraphy demonstrations, paper cutting, and the symbolism behind Chinese motifs. Local French artisans will also present their crafts, emphasizing techniques passed down through generations. Visitors are encouraged to try their hand at some of these crafts, guided by expert volunteers.
At 11:30 AM, the language corner opens, offering short, interactive workshops in Mandarin and French. These sessions are tailored for beginners and are designed to engage participants with basic greetings, cultural idioms, and common expressions, fostering practical communication skills and cultural insights.
Lunch breaks from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM feature a tasting area where guests can sample authentic French pastries and traditional Chinese tea ceremonies. Our volunteers will guide small groups through the rituals of tea preparation and the stories behind popular French desserts, creating an immersive culinary experience.
The afternoon program (2:00 PM to 4:00 PM) is dedicated to performances. A traditional Chinese lion dance will enthrall audiences with its colorful costumes and rhythmic drumming, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. This is followed by a French chanson concert, featuring songs from renowned French artists that celebrate love, nature, and the city of Paris.
From 4:00 PM onward, interactive storytelling sessions for children will blend French fairy tales with Chinese legends, fostering intercultural appreciation from a young age. At the same time, adults can attend a panel discussion on the future of Franco-Chinese cultural cooperation, led by scholars and community leaders.
The event closes at 6:00 PM with a communal lantern-lighting ceremony in the garden, symbolizing hope and unity. Attendees are invited to write wishes or reflections on paper lanterns, which will be gently illuminated as a collective expression of friendship.
Throughout the day, informational booths will provide resources about AFCY’s ongoing activities, membership, and opportunities for volunteering or language learning.
This festival offers a unique, enriching experience for all ages and backgrounds, highlighting the beauty of cultural diversity and the bonds that unite us.
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