Chinese In Kenya Celebrate New Year With Popular Drink Xi Jiu

_{_{Event Organiser Mei Hong (Centre) with models Celestine Terer (Left) and Emma Jebet Keitany during celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year and introduction of popular traditional Chinese drink Xi Jiu at Wuduria Hotel in Nairobi on Saturday March 2, 2024. PHOTO/ ERICK OCHIENG}}

NAIROBI, Kenya- Chinese in Kenya celebrated the Lunar New Year in Nairobi on Saturday with a taste of their popular traditional drink, Xi Jiu.
The occasion was used to officially launch the new product into the Kenyan market. The drink was first introduced into the local market in August 2023.
The popular tasty spirit, brewed from steamed rice and left to mature over a period of time, is available at the Chinatown Supermarket along Ngong Road in Nairobi. A 500ml bottle goes between Sh4000-Sh6000.

The New Year celebrations, marked with pomp and colour in Wuduria Hotel in Nairobi, attracted over 100 people who also used the event to appreciate and honour the Chinese culture, customs and history.
The occasion was characterized with lively shows including the dragon dance and playing oriental musical instruments.
“As a tradition, we always celebrate the New Year with family members and friends. Since we are far away from our home towns, we decided to hold the occasion here and it was amazing to see the Chinese community in Kenya, including those staying with colleagues and friends, come out in large numbers to honour the occasion as they enjoyed a sip of Xi Jiu which is making in roads in Africa and particularly Kenya,” Event Organiser Mei Hong told The Standard.

_{Photo session during celebration of the Chinese Lunar New Year and introduction of popular traditional Chinese drink Xi Jiu at Wuduria Hotel in Nairobi on Saturday March 2, 2024. PHOTO/ ERICK OCHIENG}

“We also have very affordable drinks that goes from Sh1000 and above,” Hong underlined.
According to Hong, the celebration was also used to unite the Chinese community staying or working in Kenya.
This Chinese Lunar New Year normally falls between February -March. During the occasion, authentic Chinese foods and drinks are shared by friends and families. They also enjoy a feast of traditional Chinese arts including chorus, Guzheng (Chinese plucked string in instrument), dances, martial arts before indulging in over 20 varieties of Chinese delicacies.
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