Kenya hosts cultural fair to mark Chinese Dragon Boat Festival

People perform a dragon dance at a dragon boat festival intangible cultural heritage fair in Nairobi, Kenya, June 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)

Kenya held an intangible cultural heritage fair on Saturday to celebrate the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, highlighting the role of cultural exchanges in strengthening Sino-African friendship and cooperation.

NAIROBI, June 21 (Xinhua) -- Kenya held an intangible cultural heritage fair on Saturday to celebrate the Chinese Dragon Boat Festival, highlighting the role of cultural exchanges in strengthening Sino-African friendship and cooperation.

The event, organized by the China General Chamber of Commerce in East Africa, brought together senior government representatives, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders and cultural enthusiasts to commemorate one of China's most important traditional festivals, which fell on June 19 this year.

The celebration featured the sharing of traditional sticky rice dumplings known as zongzi, cultural performances and presentations on the festival's rich history and significance.

A participant plays Guzheng, a traditional Chinese musical instrument, at a dragon boat festival intangible cultural heritage fair in Nairobi, Kenya, June 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)

Guo Haiyan, Chinese ambassador to Kenya, said the festival will help strengthen friendship and cooperation that will deliver more tangible benefits to the people of both countries.

She also explained the cultural significance of the festival, noting that it originated as a traditional occasion for warding off diseases and evil spirits.

Kavaka Watai Mukonyi, deputy director for research and innovation at Kenya's Ministry of Tourism and Wildlife, said the celebration provided an important platform for exchanging ideas, sharing experiences and learning how nations can protect, promote and benefit from their cultural heritage.

People watch a dragon dance performance at a dragon boat festival intangible cultural heritage fair in Nairobi, Kenya, June 20, 2026. (Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)

The occasion was particularly significant as it coincided with the 2026 China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges, he said, adding that Kenya can learn from China's experience in heritage conservation and management as it seeks to safeguard and promote its own rich cultural resources.

Qin Minxue, chairman of the China General Chamber of Commerce in East Africa, said cultural celebrations such as the Dragon Boat Festival help strengthen ties between China and Kenya by creating opportunities for people to learn from one another's traditions and values.