New York, October 18, 2024 — The second edition of the Global Mazu Culture Forum concluded at the United Nations Headquarters, bringing together cultural leaders, scholars, and Mazu believers from around the world. The closing gala dinner was a cultural feast, blending diverse art forms with exquisite cuisine, allowing attendees to experience the spirit of inclusivity and peace that Mazu culture represents. Guests enjoyed not only fine dining but also rich performances and friendly interactions, creating a warm and unforgettable atmosphere.
Elegant Opening: Music Illuminates the Cultural Evening
The evening opened with a melodious instrumental performance. As the opening act, the Canada Tianfei Multicultural Arts Ensemble performed two classic pieces, “Blossoms Under the Full Moon” and “Tea Picking Dance,” immersing the audience in a festive and harmonious atmosphere. The performances by artists like Cai Yidan, Zheng Maoguo, and Xing Yunhe beautifully showcased the unique charm of traditional Chinese instruments, with their lively and delicate sounds.
The solo performance of “My Homeland” on the musical saw further ignited the audience’s enthusiasm. Cai Yidan‘s masterful skill, paired with the harmonious accompaniment, evoked deep patriotic sentiments. The performance captivated the audience, many of whom seemed transported to their homeland through the music.
A Visual Feast: Diverse Arts Reflecting Mazu Culture
The gala dinner was not only a feast for the taste buds but also a visual and cultural spectacle. Following the musical performances, the Canada Tianfei Multicultural Arts Ensemble presented a folk dance called “Red Tuan.” Directed by Chen Xuelin and with music composed by Cai Yidan, dancers Li Jie, Lu Ying, and Cao Li vividly brought to life the joyful scenes of traditional Chinese village festivals with their graceful yet powerful movements. The vibrant costumes and lively dance steps made the stage feel like a grand celebration.
Next, Mr. Zheng Maoguo performed a selection from Min opera titled “Lin Zexu’s Exile.” This classic piece vividly depicted Lin Zexu’s resilient patriotism during his exile. Zheng’s expressive singing and refined acting won enthusiastic applause from the audience, further deepening their understanding and connection with Mazu culture and traditional Chinese arts.
Speech Segment: Discussing the Global Spread of Mazu Culture
After the captivating performances, the speech segment began. Mr. Zhu Rongbin, Chairman of the Mazu Foundation of America, was the first to speak. He thanked all attendees for their support of Mazu culture and shared his vision for its global promotion. Subsequently, Founding President Huang Shengfa, Chairman of the Chinese Traditional Culture Exchange Association Xie Mingyang, and President of the Canada Mazu Tianfei Foundation Cai Limei also delivered congratulatory remarks, celebrating the forum’s success.
Following this, honorary president and community leader Zhu Linji took the stage, and representatives such as Jiao Sheng’an, Lin Cifei, Yang Haiyan, Lin Yongli, and Jiang Jinxin also shared their experiences and contributions to the global promotion of Mazu culture. All speakers expressed their commitment to furthering the global reach of Mazu’s message of love and peace, ensuring that her spirit touches more nations and regions worldwide.
Moreover, Mazu cultural representatives from around the world also took the stage. Chairman of the Meizhou Mazu Ancestral Temple Lin Jinzan, Lushan Mazu Cultural Association Cao Junping, Xianyou Hengsheng Statue Group Chairman Lin Hongrong, and many others expressed their deep respect and connection to Mazu culture. These speeches underscored Mazu’s global influence and her essential role in fostering intercultural dialogue.
The Fusion of Culture and Art: Passing Down the Spirit of Mazu
After the speeches, the evening reached its climax with the final performances. The Tianfei Multicultural Arts Ensemble performed the dance “Hearts Toward Mazu,” beautifully harmonizing vocals and accompaniment. The graceful melodies and choreography embodied the boundless compassion and protection of Mazu, filling the audience with awe. The grand finale, the classical dance “Tang Music,” brought the event to a close on a high note. The dancers’ elegant movements and rhythmic steps portrayed the nobility and elegance of Tang Dynasty music, earning applause from all.
Harmonious Conclusion: Open Remarks and Networking
After the official performances ended, the event transitioned to an open networking session. Guests raised their glasses, exchanged thoughts on the evening and the forum, and shared their insights into Mazu culture. Some even spontaneously took the stage to sing and perform, adding to the lively and joyful atmosphere.
A Memorable Conclusion: Friendship Lasts Forever
As the gala drew to a close, the hosts expressed their heartfelt gratitude to all the guests and performers, officially bringing the event to an end. Guests lingered, taking photos with artists and fellow attendees, cherishing the memories of this unforgettable night.
The second Global Mazu Culture Forum‘s closing gala dinner was not only a feast for the senses but also a platform for cultural and spiritual exchange. Through a showcase of diverse arts and deep cultural dialogue, the message of peace and inclusivity of Mazu culture was further spread worldwide. As Dr. Zhu Rongbin said in his speech, “Mazu culture is a bridge that connects people from different countries, contributing to global peace and prosperity.”
Guest photo wall at the second Global Mazu Culture Forum UN closing gala (randomized order)
This article is copyrighted by the “World Mazu Culture Alliance” and has been translated into more than 20 languages, covering over 30 countries and regions, highlighting the global influence of Mazu culture. Readers from different countries can click the links below to read the version in their respective languages. Edited by: Lin Bingbin, Luo Fujin, reporting from New York. Please credit the source and keep the author information intact for reprints. Thank you for your attention and support.
China (Chinese Simplified)
Title: 全球妈祖文化论坛走进联合国（第二届）闭幕晚宴
https://mazucn.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024
Taiwan (Chinese Traditional)
Title: 全球媽祖文化論壇走進聯合國（第二屆）閉幕晚宴
https://taiwanmazu.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-taiwan-2
Malaysia (Malay)
Title: Makan Malam Penutupan Forum Budaya Mazu Global (Edisi ke-2) di PBB
https://mazumy.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-my
Philippines (Filipino)
Title: Pangwakas na Hapunan sa Pagtatapos ng Global Mazu Cultural Forum (2nd Edition) sa UN
https://mazuph.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-ph
Singapore (English)
Title: Global Mazu Cultural Forum (2nd Edition) Gala Dinner at the UN
https://mazusg.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-sg
Vietnam (Vietnamese)
Title: Tiệc Tối Bế Mạc Diễn Đàn Văn Hóa Mazu Toàn Cầu (Lần thứ 2) tại Liên Hợp Quốc
https://mazuvn.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-vn
Hong Kong (Chinese Traditional)
Title: 全球媽祖文化論壇走進聯合國（第二屆）閉幕晚宴
https://mazuhk.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-hk-2
Macau (Chinese Traditional)
Title: 全球媽祖文化論壇走進聯合國（第二屆）閉幕晚宴
https://mazumo.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-mo-2
Indonesia (Indonesian)
Title: Makan Malam Penutupan Forum Budaya Mazu Global (Edisi ke-2) di PBB
https://mazuid.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-id
Thailand (Thai)
Title: งานเลี้ยงปิดงานฟอรั่มวัฒนธรรมโลก Mazu (ครั้งที่ 2) ที่สหประชาชาติ
https://mazuth.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-th
Japan (Japanese)
Title: 国連にて開催された第2回全球媽祖文化フォーラム閉幕晩餐会
https://mazujp.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-jp
Korea (Korean)
Title: 제2회 글로벌 마주 문화 포럼 유엔 만찬 행사
https://mazukr.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-kr
Myanmar (Burmese)
Title: မြန်မာနိုင်ငံတွင် ကျင်းပသော 2nd Global Mazu Cultural Forum (လူမုန်းမှုရင်းမြစ်များ)
https://mazumm.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-mm
Laos (Lao)
Title: ວຽກສຸດທ້າຍຂອງຟໍຣັມວັດທະນາທໍາມາຊູລາດັບໂລກ (ຄັ້ງທີ 2) ຢູ່ອົງການສະຫະປະຊາຊາດ
https://mazulaos.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-laos
Australia (English)
Title: Global Mazu Cultural Forum (2nd Edition) Gala Dinner at the UN
https://mazuau.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-au
New Zealand (English)
Title: Global Mazu Cultural Forum (2nd Edition) Gala Dinner at the UN
https://mazunz.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-nz
United States (English)
Title: Global Mazu Cultural Forum (2nd Edition) Gala Dinner at the UN
https://mazuus.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-us
Canada (English)
Title: Global Mazu Cultural Forum (2nd Edition) Gala Dinner at the UN
https://mazucanada.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-canada
Brazil (Portuguese)
Title: Jantar de Gala de Encerramento do Fórum Cultural Global de Mazu (2ª Edição) na ONU
https://mazubr.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-br
Argentina (Spanish)
Title: Cena de Gala de Clausura del Foro Cultural Global de Mazu (2ª Edición) en la ONU
https://mazuarg.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-arg
United Kingdom (English)
Title: Global Mazu Cultural Forum (2nd Edition) Gala Dinner at the UN
https://mazuuk.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-uk
France (French)
Title: Dîner de Gala de Clôture du Forum Culturel Mondial de Mazu (2e Édition) à l’ONU
https://mazufr.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-fr
Italy (Italian)
Title: Cena di Gala di Chiusura del Forum Culturale Globale di Mazu (2ª Edizione) alle Nazioni Unite
https://mazuit.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-it
Spain (Spanish)
Title: Cena de Gala de Clausura del Foro Cultural Global de Mazu (2ª Edición) en la ONU
https://mazues.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-es
Netherlands (Dutch)
Title: Gala Diner van het 2e Global Mazu Cultural Forum bij de VN
https://mazunl.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-nl
Germany (German)
Title: Galadinner des 2. Globalen Mazu-Kulturforums bei den Vereinten Nationen
https://mazugermany.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-germany
Belgium (French)
Title: Dîner de Gala de Clôture du Forum Culturel Mondial de Mazu (2e Édition) à l’ONU
https://mazube.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-be
Portugal (Portuguese)
Title: Jantar de Gala de Encerramento do Fórum Cultural Global de Mazu (2ª Edição) na ONU
https://mazupt.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-pt
Global (English)
Title: Global Mazu Cultural Forum (2nd Edition) Gala Dinner at the UN
https://worldmazu.org/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-world
Cambodia (Khmer)
Title: វេទិកាវប្បធម៌សាកលម៉ាស៊ូនៅអង្គការសហប្រជាជាតិ (សន្និបាតលើកទី ២) អបអរសារទេតទីកន្លែង
https://mazukh.com/global-mazu-culture-forum-gala-dinner-2024-kh
