2016年CRI China-Latin America and Caribbean Cultural Exchange Year Kicks Off in Beijing（在线收听）

The ceremony for the year-long cultural event was presented jointly by China and over 30 Latin American and Caribbean countries.

Minister of Culture Luo Shugang launched the opening of the event.

"I declare the 2016 China-Latin America and Caribbean Cultural Exchange Year OPEN!"

The gala is entitled "China-LAC Time." Artists from China, Uruguay, Argentina, Peru, Brazil and Cuba performed Latin American and Caribbean cultural shows at the event.

The highlight included the Uruguay National Ballet's performance of excerpts from Don Quixote, with dancers from the National Ballet.

Ballet master Julio Bocca, director of Uruguay National Ballet, spoke positively of the cooperation.

"It's very nice to see the dancers from my company switch partners. They work perfectly. I am happy because they understand each other, and the exchange of styles and feelings."

Last year saw the grand success of the Phantom of the Opera China tour. The leading Brazilian vocalists Cleto Baccic and Sara Sarres sang a classic from that musical, "All I Ask of You," along with a Chinese song, the Marriage Oath, arousing a long-lasting ovation.

Tango groups from Argentina and Uruguay, as well as a Peru Scissor Dance group showed their skills about the Intangible Cultural Heritages of Humanity listed by UNESO.

Pianist Lang Lang, the event's image ambassador gave a piano solo during the ceremony.

Ambassador of Mexico Julian Ventura, is very happy to watch the Mexican band's performance of the Chinese song "Why the flowers are so red."

"There is no better way to bring two countries together through people-to-people exchanges. We are hoping through this China-Latin America year of culture, not just Mexico but all the countries of the region will have a strong presence that would be very welcomed by Chinese audiences."

The idea of the activity was proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping when he attended the China-Latin America and the Caribbean Summit at Brasilia in July, 2014.

The Exchange Year will include events throughout 2016, including arts, exhibitions, seminars, films, food festivals, and tourism promotions.

For CRI, I am Chi Huiguang.