Chinese and Nigerian workers involved in the construction of the Kano-Maradi railway have held a special event to celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival, using the occasion to exchange cultures and strengthen friendship between workers from both countries.
During the celebration, the Chinese workers introduced their Nigerian colleagues to the history and traditions of the festival, including the legend of Chang’e, who is said to have flown to the moon, as well as traditions such as moon-gazing, lighting lanterns and eating mooncakes.
The Nigerian workers also shared how moon-gazing is observed in some Nigerian communities, particularly as an occasion for family gatherings, storytelling, singing and entertainment.
A Chinese poetry reading session was also held, during which the Chinese workers taught their Nigerian colleagues some popular verses about the moon and longing for home.
The Chinese workers later shared mooncakes with their Nigerian colleagues, explaining that the cakes symbolise unity, completeness and family reunion.
The celebration provided an opportunity to deepen mutual understanding and strengthen friendship between the Chinese and Nigerian workers collaborating on the railway project.
The organisers said they would continue to use traditional celebrations to create opportunities for Chinese and Nigerian workers to exchange cultures, improve mutual understanding and build stronger relationships.
