The rehearsal hall in Dubai is steeped in hushed anticipation. Dozens, then hundreds of voices, blend into seamless harmony — the deep, steadfast tones of the men intertwining with the luminous, soaring notes of the women. Their unified chorus of My Motherland and I fills the space with profound emotions.
This is a snapshot of preparations for the 12th edition of the Overseas Chinese Spring Festival Gala in Dubai, themed "Eternal Brilliance". Before every Spring Festival, overseas Chinese communities across the globe stage a variety of cultural and artistic performances and the Dubai one ranks among the largest in scale.
The two-hour gala boasts a rich and diverse lineup, encompassing dance, vocal performances, acrobatics, and instrumental music, all bearing a distinct hallmark of Chinese elements.
Since early October, over 500 Chinese residents in the United Arab Emirates and other countries, aged 8 to over 80, have been devoting their weekends to rehearsals. The gala seeks to artistically integrate modern technology with traditional culture, articulating the shared emotions of overseas Chinese who span continents yet remain bound by their roots.
This year also marks the 90th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese Workers' and Peasants' Red Army's Long March (1934-36).
The gala's four-chapter narrative — from "Galloping horses welcome spring", "Long March Spirit shines with sun and moon", "Unbroken blood ties" to "Riding the wind for global peace" — echoes this spirit, said Li Dongxia, who has lived in the UAE for 25 years and directed all the 12 galas.
"Without the motherland's prosperity and strength, overseas Chinese cannot hold their heads high with dignity. It is a fresh interpretation of the 'Long March Spirit' in the new era, a solemn testament to our nation and a profound expression of our roots," said Li, also chairman of the UAE Chinese Qipao Association.
This sentiment resonates deeply with the performers, who hail from 13 countries, including China, the UAE, the United States, Germany and South Africa.
Capturing the collective sentiment of the community, Lei Yulin, a participant for 11 consecutive years, said: "Every rehearsal is an expression of emotion of longing for the motherland, care for family and hope for the future. In Dubai, we tell China's story to the world in our own way. The gala has not only granted me a sense of artistic belonging but also allowed me to feel the attachment shared by all overseas Chinese. Every time I take the stage, it feels like coming home."
From the Gulf to South Asia and Australia, the spirit of Spring Festival resonates widely.
In Australia, an immersive digital exhibition on Chinese culture will be staged in central Sydney during Spring Festival, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience the festival through Chinese cutting-edge digital technology.
The Orbital Cinema, the core section of the exhibition, uses panoramic visuals, a 180-degree curved HD screen and immersive surround sound to transport audiences into the festive atmosphere of the Spring Festival.
"The technology really makes you feel as if you are there," said local visitor Lise Plunkett, praising the stunning visual effects of the display.
The exhibition will feature Chinese calligraphy, ancient towns, historic sites such as the Terracotta Warriors and Sanxingdui, as well as iconic landmarks, including the Great Wall and Guilin's landscapes. It vividly showcases the unique charm of traditional Chinese festive culture.
"I am excited to see traditional Eastern culture brought vividly to life in such an advanced way," Plunkett said. "This immersive experience will attract many Australians to explore the unique charm of the Spring Festival."
In South Asia, the holiday is celebrated primarily by Chinese communities. In India, celebrations take place in cities including Kolkata, home to two Chinatowns, where a resilient Indian-Chinese community keeps traditions alive.
Over 2,000 residents will mark the festival with lion and dragon dances, fireworks, lantern displays, and family reunion feasts featuring dumplings, noodles, and barbecued pork, alongside the customary exchange of red envelopes.
Beyond India, countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives celebrate through their own events.