The neighborhood banquet

By Keqiao Cheng, EDITOR

Chongqing - Lion dance, writing spring couplets, and taking group photos…On January 24, the second edition of the hundred-family banquet with 30 tables for neighbors of the Wannianlu Community was very lively. Over 300 residents of the community gathered together to celebrate the coming Spring Festival.

Celebrating a lively Chinese New Year

People are making New Year lanterns.

“Please write a pair of spring couplets for me” “I want a lantern”…

In the early morning, the yard became bustling with life. Also, with well-arranged stages and tables, people were busy in writing spring couplets, making paper cuttings and lanterns.

The Pigsy is frying peanuts at the scene.

In addition, a Pigsy was frying peanuts and sunflower seeds for his neighbors. “I have been a vendor selling these snacks in this community for over ten years. Last year, when it held the first hundred-family banquet for neighbors, I never hesitated but participated.” Mr. Sun, the impersonator of the Pigsy, added that he acted as this figure to match the coming year of the Pig. Also, he has prepared five kilograms of peanuts and sunflower seeds to fry for his neighbors on site. 

Meanwhile, the background for group photo decorated with “Good Luck in the Year of the Pig” became popular for residents to check in. Ms. Li said, “It is very meaningful for our big family to take a group photo once a year.”

Neighbor reunion

Father and son are looking at the lanterns.

The 69-year-old Ruan Xiaoping and his wife also joined the lively party. No matter watching performances or enjoying dinner, the two were holding hands, winning the honor of “the most affectionate couples”. In fact, when Ruan Xiaoping caught eye disease twelve years ago, his wife would hold his hand wherever he went.

The 101-year-old Yang Wanjin, another community resident, was delighted too. Yang said, “We hold the banquet to enjoy a new-year atmosphere like this.” Moreover, Yang attributed the exciting and joyful atmosphere to the song and dance, folk activities, dishes, and the gathering neighbors.

The neighbors are taking photos as a New Year souvenir.

However, established in 2008, Wannianlu Community is young. It has received over 7,000 residents from different regions. Thus, the community has taken many measures to unite its people, and the hundred-family banquet is one of them.

Chen Xiaoxing, Director of Wannianlu Community, expressed that this activity brought happiness of the coming new year to the community. It has also managed to shorten the distances among the neighbors.

“We hope to enjoy such hundred-family banquet every year. Then, our neighbors can take the chance to get together.” one of the participants, Jiang Changgui said with a smile on his face.

Source: CQCB