Yan Yuqing, Chinese consul general in Recife, Brazil, received a copy of a bill sent by Cida Pedrosa, a Recife city councilor and winner of the highest prize for Brazilian literature, which established Chinese New Year as an official festival in the city, on Nov 7.

On Nov 10, Yan noted in an interview that this was another official holiday related to China that Recife has established since the city officially made Aug 15, the day that diplomatic relations were established between China and Brazil, National Chinese Immigration Day in 2019.

Recife is an important port city in northeastern Brazil, as well as a historical and cultural city. In October 2007, Recife and Guangzhou became Friendship Cities, with this year marking the 15th anniversary of the establishment of this friendly relationship between the two cities.

Yan also said that Pedrosa has always admired Chinese culture, "When I communicated with her last year, we agreed that the Spring Festival culture should be better integrated into local people's lives and she said that she would propose this bill as a councilor. I am deeply touched and proud to have such friends who love Chinese people and Chinese culture, and I am also deeply encouraged and excited by the passing of the bill," added Yan.

The passing of this bill further demonstrates the deep friendship between China and Brazil.

The northeastern part of Brazil is home to more than 8,000 overseas Chinese, many of which live in Recife. There are about 500 Chinese shops in Recife, creating nearly 6,000 local jobs.

Yan Yuqing (L), Chinese consul general in Recife, receives a copy of the bill to establish Chinese New Year as an official festival in the city on Nov 7. [Photo/Southern Metropolis Daily]