By Ava Turnquest

Tribune Digital Editor

aturnquest@tribunemedia.net

Chinese Ambassador to The Bahamas Yan Jiarong highlighted growing cultural exchanges between the two countries are helping to strengthen diplomatic ties as she praised the success of the second annual China-Bahamas Kite Festival this weekend.

The festival, held in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, brought scores of families to Goodman’s Bay for a day of kite-flying, Bahamian and Chinese cultural performances, food, and children’s activities on Saturday.

Over 100 local children enjoyed the event, including many from the decades-old Ranfurly Home orphange, which has warned it is in danger of closing because of a financial crisis, caused by dwindling donations and a shrinking pool of benefactors.

Speaking at the event, Ms Yan said initiatives like the festival deepen “mutual understanding and friendship” between Bahamians and the Chinese community.

“This colourful and vibrant gathering is not only a joyful celebration of nature and imagination, but also a vivid reflection of the friendship between China and The Bahamas,” she said.

The ambassador noted that kites have played a role in China’s cultural heritage for more than 2,000 years, symbolising hope, blessings and the aspiration for a better life. She said she was pleased to see Bahamian families embrace the tradition alongside Chinese residents.

“The sky over Goodman’s Bay was filled with colours that represent our shared enthusiasm, creativity and harmony,” she said. “It demonstrates how cultures can meet, mingle and soar together.”

Ms Yan also highlighted growing bilateral cooperation, pointing to ongoing cultural, educational and people-to-people exchanges.

She thanked the government and sponsors for supporting the festival’s launch, adding that she hopes it will become an annual fixture on the Bahamian cultural calendar.

“We believe that through events like this, the bond between our peoples will continue to grow stronger,” she said. “May the kites we fly today carry our wishes for peace, prosperity and lasting friendship.”