On February 3, 2024, the event “Spring Stars Shining Together across the World – Year of Dragon” was held at Victoria Harbor in Cape Town. Consul General You extended New Year greetings to guests saying that the Chinese Spring Festival is becoming a statutory holiday of the United Nations is an important symbol of Chinese culture going global.

The event site was decorated with lights and colourful decorations, the atmosphere was warm, and the atmosphere of the event was rich with Chinese culture. The performances were brilliant, showcasing dragon and lion dance, Shaolin martial arts, and other performances winning bursts of cheers and applause from the audience.

Amongst the showstopping performances was a Moutai fashion walk. South African models wore traditional Miao dresses as a symbol of cross-cultural exchange. Kweichow Moutai baijiu is only produced in the Guizhou province, which is home to the ethnic group, Miao. The audience admired the intricately embroidered pleated skirts and beauty of the Moutai culture. The models glittered as they paraded Moutai products on stage. Miao women are also famed for the glittering silver adornments that they wear during festival time. The Miao people believe silver symbolizes light and good health, so wearing silver will ward off evil spirits, stave off natural disasters and bring good fortune.

A typical festival outfit worn by a Miao woman will include a hat or crown, horns, a comb, earrings or ear pendant, a neckband, a necklace, a collar, bracelets, and rings, all made of silver. Most of these will have been handmade by Miao silversmiths. The decorations are typically in four styles: symmetrical style, balanced style, connected style and radiating style. They usually feature patterns involving dragons, phoenixes, flowers, and birds.