By Zhao Yu

On March 31, the ancient town of Shipu in Ningbo, Zhejiang, came alive as over a thousand local fishermen paraded along the coast beating waist drums, carrying ornate floats, and dancing with fish-shaped lanterns. International students joined in the festivities celebrating Ningbo's Double Third Festival, held on the third day of the third lunar month every year.

"Ningbo's celebrations for the Double Third Festival are so diverse! I heard there's a beach treasure hunt and workshops on crafting fish lanterns—I can't wait to try them," said Jessica Peter N'abasha, a Tanzanian undergraduate studying International Economics and Trade at Ningbo University's Business School.

Since arriving in Ningbo last year, N'abasha has participated in nearly every edition of the college's "Cultural Classroom on the Go". "The local folk culture is incredibly vibrant, and more young people are joining these traditions," she remarked, noting how Chinese culture continues to be passed down through generations.

A self-described "Chinese culture enthusiast", N'abasha has also been invited to share stories of her life, studies, and friendships in China with audiences back in Tanzania. She expressed hope for more platforms fostering cultural exchange between students from China and Tanzania in the future.

Meanwhile, Moroccan student Aya Jouhaina captivated the crowd with a rendition of "Ellash Ya Ghzali", a festive song from her homeland. "This song is played during Moroccan celebrations to express the joy of gathering together," she explained.

Drawing a comparison between Ningbo's festival and Morocco's traditional Ashura festivities, where communities gather for blessings and rituals, Jouhaina said, "Though the customs differ, the lively spirit is the same." She plans to share her experience with family and friends back home.