FrenchfolkensembleaddsvarietytotraditionalChinesefestivities

TAIYUAN, Feb. 27 (Xinhua) --Early on the morning of this year's Chinese Lantern Festival, which fell on Saturday, a folk ensemble from France stood out among the groups of performers waiting for the two-day celebration to begin on the illuminated streets of Qingxu County,north China's Shanxi Province.（新华社太原2月27日电——今年中国元宵节的早晨，当这个传统节日在周六降临时，一支来自法国的民间乐团在中国北部山西省清徐县灯火明亮的街道上，在众多等待庆祝活动开始的表演团体中脱颖而出。）

"After receiving an invitation from Qingxu County, we can't wait to   experience the festive atmosphere," said Cathy Bravo, a member of Birousans, the French folk performance group.（“在收到清徐县的邀请后，我们迫不及待地想要体验这里的节日氛围，”法国民间表演团体Birousans的成员凯茜·布拉沃说。）

In an effort to promote cultural exchange, Qingxu invited folk groups like Birousans  from France, Italy and Kazakhstan to celebrate this year's Lantern Festival in the county, alongside local performers and groups from all over China.（为了促进文化交流，清徐县邀请了来自法国、意大利和哈萨克斯坦的民间团体，包括Birousans，与当地表演者和来自全中国的团体共同庆祝今年的元宵节。）

Birousans, established in 1921 and based in the central Pyrenees Mountains, is a group known for its distinctive songs, dances and costumes.（自1921年成立以来，总部位于中央比利牛斯山脉的Birousans乐团以独具特色的歌曲、舞蹈和服装而闻名。）

"The attire we're wearing today represents our traditional festival clothing. It's typically worn during significant moments. As far as I know, the Lantern Festival is also an important day for the Chinese people. We are honored to celebrate this festive occasion here with our Chinese friends," said Audrey Fourtané, another member of Birousans.（“我们今天所穿的服装代表了我们传统的节日服装，通常在重要的时刻穿着。据我所知，元宵节对中国人民来说也是一个重要的日子。我们很荣幸能在这里与中国朋友们共同庆祝这个喜庆的节日，”Birousans乐团的另一位成员奥德蕾·福塔内说。）

The ensemble's dance style is lively with a strong sense of rhythm.The musicians play traditional music from the central Pyrenees Mountains on instruments such as drums, oboes and accordions to accompany the dancers, who wear long, pointed wooden shoes and folk costumes.（该乐团的舞蹈风格活泼，节奏感强烈。音乐家们使用鼓、双簧管和手风琴等乐器演奏中央比利牛斯山脉的传统音乐，为舞者伴奏，舞者们则穿着长长的尖头木鞋和民间服装。）

"Our performance today showcases what France was like in the late 19th century and early 20th century. Being able to participate in the Lantern Festival performance here fills us with excitement,and  we also feel the warmth and enthusiasm of the Chinese people," said Laurent Mayer, the group's leader.（“我们今天的表演展示了19世纪末和20世纪初法国的风貌。能够参加这里的元宵节表演让我们兴奋不已，我们也感受到了中国人民的热情和温暖，”该团团长劳伦特·梅耶说。）

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and France. The two countries are working together to host celebrations throughout the year and launch the China-France Year of Culture and Tourism, promoting people-to-people cultural exchanges between the two sides.（今年是中法建交60周年，两国正在共同举办一系列庆祝活动，并启动中法文化旅游年，促进两国之间的民间文化交流。)

Many members of Birousans have come to China for the first time. They have spent their visit enjoying folk performances from all over the country and savoring various northern Chinese cuisines, giving them a deeper understanding of China.（许多Birousans乐团的成员都是首次来到中国。他们在访问期间欣赏了来自全国各地的民间表演，品尝了各种北方美食，对中国有了更深入的了解。)

"Twenty  years ago, I visited China. And returning here now, I feel that China has undergone remarkable changes, which fascinates me. If there are future opportunities, I eagerly look  forward to spending more time in China and experiencing more of its rich culture" Bravo said.（“20年前，我来过中国。现在再次回到这里，我感到中国发生了翻天覆地的变化，这让我感到着迷。如果将来有机会，我非常期待在中国度过更多时间，体验更多丰富的文化，”布拉沃说。)