For the fourth consecutive year, Saint-Paul has worked twice as hard to celebrate as it should the Chinese New Year.  In partnership with the commune, the Amicale de l'Ecole Franco-Chinoise (A.E.F.C) has presented a magnificent show featuring about twenty artists from the region of Shantou (Canton) and the acrobats of the Golden Lion Circle from Mauritius.  Illustrations.      

The artists from Canton celebrated the New Year within the magical setting of Saint-Charles decorated with the fetish colour of China, red.  A made in China show.  The large audience was able to enjoy the gracefulness of the choreographers within typical scenes.  The show lasts for 2 hours whereof magicians followed contortionists, Thai instrument players and acrobats...The region of Shantou are particularly dear to the Chinese community in Réunion Island, since most of them come from this area.        

 Waltz steps  

There is of course, no feast without lion or dragon.  Accompanied with drums and gongs, the members of the Golden Lion Circle troupe from Mauritius, have livened up the streets.  It is a tradition at New Year to chase away evil spirits and ensure a year of happiness and prosperity.  The lion then performs an energetic dance in front of the grocery store and Chinese shops, punctuated by a braid of firecrackers.      

The two courageous ones, who are moving from head to tails, are true acrobats, able to tame the animals on its two legs. 

Another essential element to celebrate the Chinese New Year is the colourful and shimmering dragon.  It dances along the streets of Saint-Paul, fascinating the passers-by and the tourists are quickly taken by whilst following it.  The dragon is a noble and brave animal.  Measuring several meters high and manipulated by about ten people, it makes gestures here and throughout the world, which has been existed since two millenniums.  It was a sunny day.  Here is an excellent way to start the year on a beautiful note.             

Text & Photos : Florence MERLEN
February 2008-02-11