2018 Spring Festival Gala features international faces

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The Chinese Spring Festival falls on Feb. 16 this year. And, as usual, China Central Television's (CCTV) Spring Festival Gala is a trending topic on social media, with plenty of speculation over what performers and programs will appear.

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Despite being the most watched television show in the world, with at least 700 million viewers every year, the Gala is primarily domestic entertainment for the Chinese. However, this year’s event, according to director Yang Dongsheng, could be the most “international” Gala ever.

International artists dance at Spring Festival

CCTV Photo

A Russian art troupe, the Russian White Birch Song and Dance Ensemble, took to the stage of China’s most watched show. Artists and actors from China, the UK and Azerbaijan took part in their performance, celebrating the happy and harmonious festival.

African actors in comedy sketches

CCTV Photo

A group of artists from an African art troupe called Zaouly, together with an African attendant from the Nairobi-Mombasa Railway, told a story between the Chinese and African people. The attendant was forced into a blind date by her parents and to deal with her parents, the attendant and her Chinese teacher – played by Chinese actor Zheng Kai – disguised as a couple.

The sketch, which relies greatly upon the differences in language and cultural norms, is usually one of the most anticipated programs every year. This year, for the first time ever, foreign actors took part in the sketch.

CCTV Photo

The Nairobi-Mombasa Railway, funded by China, was launched in May 2017 in Kenya. The 480 km railway, which links the country’s largest port city of Mombasa to the capital Nairobi, has significantly improved the country's transportation.

Stephon Marbury makes an appearance

Having recently retired from the basketball court, Stephon Marbury appeared on the CCTV Spring Festival Gala and wished a happy new year to the people in the audience and those watching at home. He was invited to launch a round of red envelope distribution activities online via an interactive link.

He announced his retirement after playing his final game in the China Basketball Association (CBA) on Sunday, with a final three-pointer and a win for the Beijing Fly Dragons over Jiangsu Tongxi. The basketball player later posted on his Weibo account that he would appear at the Gala.

“I’m thankful to share the stage with so many superstars. Thank you CCTV for having me on the Gala,” wrote Marbury.

Maxim Mrvica plays The Silk Road

CCTV Photo

Coatian pianist Maxim Mrvica played his brand-new melody, “The Silk Road”, on the stage at this year’s CCTV Spring Festival Gala. The melody integrates elements from some regional music such as Russian, Indian, Chinese and central European. Maxim has performed over 100 concerts since 2008.

International singers perform in Chinese

CCTV Photo‍

Ahead of Chinese singer and dancer Li Guyi’s finale of "Unforgettable Tonight", singers from the UK, the US, Russia, France, Italy and Latvia sung “I Love You, China” in Chinese to end the traditional Chinese festival.

During an interview during the rehearsals, some of them told CGTN that they felt excited to be part of China’s most important show, and to perform for an audience of millions who are gathered in front of their televisions, watching the show, while enjoying their dinner with their families.