Ceremony to mark Chinese New Year held in Benin

　　Ceremony to mark Chinese New Year held in Benin

　　COTONOU, Feb. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese community living inBenin as well as Beninese nationals from various social groups metin the city of Cotonou on Saturday night to celebrate the upcomingChinese New Year in Benin.

　　"The Chinese New Year is a period of joy and happiness forChinese families. During the festival, family members meet to sharea meal at the same table," said director for Chinese CulturalCenter in Cotonou, Bai Guangming.

　　In this regard, the Chinese and Beninese nationals who alreadymake up a family, will enjoy the sumptuous Chinese cuisine, hecontinued.

　　The Chinese New Year which will be celebrated on Feb. 19 thisyear will be marked with several cultural activities in Benin,including opening ceremony of Chinese art exhibition, Chinese filmweek on the public television, presentations by a Chinese artistictroupe as well as sharing of Chinese food. Enditem