Chinese acrobats bring artistry, unity to Guyana’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations – Pres. Ali

…set to thrill audiences nationwide with 1st show at Leonora tonight

The world-renowned Chinese acrobatic troupe, which is currently on a countrywide tour as part of Guyana’s 60th Independence anniversary celebrations, put on a thrilling performance on the lawns of State House on Friday evening before they set out to dazzle Guyanese over the coming days.
Established in 1976, the Hebei Acrobatic Troupe has performed in more than 80 countries across the world and received over 50 awards globally. After first visiting Guyana in 1981, the troupe has returned to local shores some 45 years later to further strengthen the enduring friendship between Guyana and China.

Delivering brief remarks during Friday night’s special performance at State House, President Dr Irfaan Ali expressed gratitude to the Chinese Embassy in Georgetown for facilitating the tour – something he says is instrumental in deepening cultural and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
“The relationship between Guyana and China has long been built on mutual respect, cooperation and shared progress, but beyond agreements and development partnerships, the true strength of any friendship lies in the connection between peoples. Culture has a unique power to bring hearts closer, to inspire understanding, and to remind us that excellence, discipline and beauty are values admired in every corner of the world. That is why tonight’s occasion carries special meaning,” he posited.
According to the Head of State, Guyana’s historic 60th anniversary of Independence this year is a proud milestone in the nation’s journey, and the tour of this Chinese acrobatic troupe adds great significance to the celebrations. He said the troupe will enrich the celebrations through its remarkable artistry, discipline, and brilliance, leaving Guyanese with memories that go beyond mere ceremonies.
“To the members of the troupe, I say that your presence adds splendour and spectacle to a year already rich with national pride. The Chinese Acrobatic Troupe is internationally renowned for breathtaking performances, astonishing precision, and remarkable creativity. Across the world, audiences have marvelled at the courage, grace, and skill displayed on stage. Tonight, Guyana joins that global audience of admiration.”

“To the children, remember this night and all the other children who will be joining the celebrations across our country… This is a beautiful part of your own history… I have no doubt that this show will leave a lasting impression on all who witness it. It will be an experience that Guyanese will cherish and value for the rest of their lives,” President Ali noted.
The Hebei Acrobatic Troupe will commence their tour across Guyana today, Sunday, April 19, at the Leonora Track and Field Stadium at 18:00h, followed by a performance at the National Cultural Centre in Georgetown on Monday, April 20, at 19:00h. The troupe will then head to Linden for a performance on Friday, April 22, at the Bayroc Stadium, and wrap up the tour with their final show on Thursday, April 23, at the Anna Regina Car Park on the Essequibo Coast. All shows will be free of cost except for Georgetown’s performance.
However, according to Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Yang Yang, acrobatics are a treasured part of Chinese culture. She said acrobatics are rich in Chinese elements and national charm. The Ambassador noted that the tour by the Hebei Acrobatic Troupe, which hails from her home province of Hebei, represents another one of China’s gifts to Guyana to commemorate its independence anniversary – the first gift being the recently commissioned Guyana-China Friendship Park. “The tour of the Hebei Acrobatic Troupe will be China’s second special gift for this [60th Independence anniversary] milestone. It will serve as a bridge of culture and art and further deepen the friendship between our two peoples,” she noted during the State House show. Ambassador Yang also underscored the significance that cultural exchanges have played over the last 60 years in building friendship between Guyana and China, ensuring that they remain closely connected.
“China-Guyana relations are rooted in history and in the people. From the arrival of Chinese forebears 173 years ago to this ‘ land of many waters, ‘ where they gradually became one of Guyana’s six peoples, to the close cooperation we see today in every field, the bond of China-Guyana friendship has never been broken. It has only grown stronger with time. In recent years, more and more Guyanese friends have been drawn to Chinese culture. Many have begun learning Chinese, practicing Chinese characters and appreciating Chinese traditions,” she stated.
The Chinese diplomat went on to add that Guyana’s 60th anniversary celebration, which is being referred to as a ‘Diamond Jubilee, ‘ symbolises that the achievements of independence are as lasting and precious as a diamond. She explained that, in Chinese culture, a span of 60 years is known as ‘jiazi’ – a complete cycle associated with renewal. “Whether ‘ Diamond Jubilee ‘ or ‘ jiazi, ‘ both speak to the extraordinary weight of 60 years – greater prosperity and greater resilience… For sixty years, we have stood together through thick and thin. China has firmly supported Guyana’s cause of independence from the very beginning… For sixty years, we have advanced practical cooperation across many fields… China-Guyana relations have moved into a fast lane… building a China-Guyana community with a shared future,” the Chinese diplomat stated.