The Consul-Generals of France, Belgium, Canada and Switzerland (from left to right) in Guangzhou pose at the opening ceremony of La Francophonie Festival in Guangzhou on March 1. (lifeofguangzhou.com)
A warm low-profile opening ceremony kicked off a month-long French Festival (La Francophonie Festival) at the Wuzi Tower in Guangzhou yesterday evening (March 1).
The event, beginning March 6 and ending at the end of the month, is co-sponsored by the French, Belgian, Canadian, and Swiss consulates, all countries where French is spoken.
Children's chorus by the French School in Guangzhou at the opening ceremony of La Francophonie Festival in Guangzhou on March 1. (lifeofguangzhou.com)
It is the largest promotion of French culture ever in Guangzhou as well as the largest combination of foreign consulates' involvement.
With over 100 foreigners and Chinese in attendance, the opening ceremony played like a friendly get-together of mainly French-speaking communities and groups in the city. The venue, on the 22nd floor, though crowded radiated a family like intimacy. Many came with their own families, including some consuls and officials.
Upper-right photo: Consul-Generals of France (left) and Belgium enjoy the performance by the French School; Left and bottom-right photos: Audience and two children watch the performances. (lifeofguangzhou.com)
African songs and dance, friends’ chatting, laughter, Belgian beer, French wine, food, kids' singing and playing, an appearance by visiting Swiss comedic artist Christophe Bertschy, helped to enhance the festivities and warm atmosphere, as well as the opening address by the four hosting Consul-Generals.
African rhythmic songs and dances by Ghanian Gloria Ome and her friends. (lifeofguangzhou.com)
Audience enjoy the performances. (lifeofguangzhou.com)
The French Festival will feature Belgian and Swiss comedic shows, concerts, art exhibitions, French-language documentaries and more held at various venues across the city. [please click here for activities details]
(By Ronald Li)
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