UNESCO’s inclusion of the Chinese Spring Festival on the Intangible Cultural Heritage list is seen as a testament to the global influence of Chinese culture. Branko Balon, President of the Croatia-China Friendship Society, emphasized that this decision recognizes both China’s cultural roots and a celebration that unites the world. Balon highlighted that one-fifth of the global population celebrates the Spring Festival, and nearly 20 countries have declared it a public holiday.
The Spring Festival, which marks the traditional Chinese New Year, was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on December 4. The decision acknowledges the festival’s rich rituals and cultural elements that engage all levels of Chinese society. China currently holds 44 UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage elements, the highest number of any country.
In Croatia, the Spring Festival is gaining popularity, with members of the Croatia-China Friendship Society celebrating annually alongside the local Chinese community. Balon recalled the largest celebration in 2018, when 500 people gathered in Zagreb to welcome the Year of the Dog, describing such events as bridges between the two countries.
Excited about experiencing the Spring Festival in person for the first time, Balon plans to visit China this year for the festival on January 29. He also expressed gratitude for China’s recent visa-free policy for Croatia, which has facilitated travel and cultural exchange.