Guyana-China Friendship Society pushes for holiday recognition

The Guyana-China Friendship Society has called for Chinese New Year to be recognized as a national holiday, citing the Chinese community’s longstanding contributions to the country’s development.

President of the society, Paul Cheong, made the appeal during the organization’s recent annual Chinese New Year dinner, emphasizing that official recognition would honor Chinese heritage while reflecting Guyana’s multicultural identity.

Guest speaker and patron of the organisation Prime Minister Mark Phillips said he would raise the proposal with President Irfaan Ali and commended the Chinese community for its role in national projects, including roads, bridges, and hotels, noting their tangible contributions to Guyana’s growth.

President of the society, Paul Cheong.

Chinese Ambassador to Guyana, Yang Yang, congratulated the society for promoting cultural exchange and strengthening bilateral ties. The 2026 celebration marks the Year of the Horse, symbolizing strength, progress, and energy.

In December 2024, Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, was officially inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The recognition, granted at the 19th session of the Intergovernmental Committee in Asunción, Paraguay, highlights the festival’s rich cultural traditions, including family reunions, social customs, and community celebrations.

Most recently, President Ali said that while his government is willing to consider the recommendation, adding a new national holiday would be challenging given the number already in place. He assured, however, that Chinese New Year would be granted the prominence it deserves in Guyana’s national calendar.