Traditional Chinese attire, culture shine at Venice Carnival

VENICE — As the annual Venice Carnival peaked in early March, a cultural performance highlighting traditional Chinese attire took center stage at San Marco Square — often referred to as "Europe's most beautiful living room" — set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Mediterranean sunset.

Organized by overseas Chinese and Chinese expatriates passionate about sharing their heritage, the event featured a rich, diverse program, including a costume show, Dunhuang-style dancing, a guzheng (a Chinese zither) performance, and an innovative opera.

This was not the first time Chinese culture graced the main stage of the Venice Carnival. In 2024, to commemorate the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo's death, a spectacular parade of traditional hanfu attire, dragon dances, and lion dances captivated global audiences.