NEW YORK, Jan 2. 2014 /PRNewswire/ --The eastern culture of China's Shandong Province met the Western Culture of the Times Square Countdown Celebration as the Sino-American Friendship Association, (SAFA), presented Confucianism and Shandong Culture at the opening of the Times Square New Year's Eve Countdown Celebration on Tuesday evening, Dec. 31st, 2013.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140102/MX39798 )
The event got underway at 6:03 p.m. sharp at Duffy Square in NYC, as the sparkling ball ascended the flag pole for its midnight descent. With Chinese immigrants now placed as the second largest foreign born group in New York City, it was little wonder that SAFA presented Confucianism and Shandong Culture for the first time in the event's history.
Shandong is the hometown of Confucius. When people talk about Shandong, they always say, to learn about China, start with Confucius; to learn about Confucius, start with Shandong.
Kungfu and Shandong Cultural presentations and a local blend of Chinese music with a hat dance were part of the celebration while complimentary red scarves, symbolizing the friendship between the U.S. and China, were distributed to those in attendance.
This event attracted numerous attention from the public as well as from New York Mayor, Michael R. Bloomberg and U.S. Senator, Charles Schumer who both sent congratulations while Congresswoman Grace Meng was in attendance, along with representatives from China.
In commenting on the event, Senator Schumer said, featuring performances by Shandong, as well as many other acts, the "Times Square New Year's Eve Countdown Celebration 2014" was an entertaining display of the rich history and traditions of the Chinese community.
Peter Zhang, President of the Sino-American Friendship Association noted that the countdown opening ceremony was truly eastern culture meeting a New York tradition.
About the Sino-American Friendship Association
The Sino-American Friendship Association (SAFA) was founded in 1992 as an independent non-profit organization based in New York focuses on business, cultural and educational activities between US and China. For more see: http://www.safaus.org/
About Shandong
Shandong, with a population of almost 100 million along the East Coast, is one of the most beautiful and affluent provinces in China. It has played a major role in Chinese history from early civilization to the spread of Taoism, Chinese Buddhism and Confucianism. For more log on to www.travelshandong.com
Press Contact:
Li Li
Sino-American Friendship Association
T: 212-791-6931
E: info@safaus.org
SOURCE Sino-American Friendship Association, (SAFA)
