The Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, falls on Tuesday this year. "Many celebrations of Chinese New Year in our French regions illustrate the extent and popularity of Chinese culture in our country," said Valerie Pecresse, president of the Ile-de-France region.

"HAPPY YEAR OF PIG"

In a greeting letter, Pecresse, for her part, expressed "... to the Chinese people, overseas Chinese and in particular to the Chinese community in France (her) best wishes for happiness, health and prosperity."

Ile-de-France "is proud to welcome the largest Chinese community in Europe, a hard-working and creative one," she noted.