Greek residents enjoy Chinese culture through Piraeus Taste Festival

ATHENS, Sept. 25 (Xinhua) -- Residents of Greece's largest port, Piraeus, got a taste of Chinese cuisine and culture at the Piraeus Taste Festival hosted on Saturday evening.

In the context of the first "Piraeus Taste Festival: Sea Food and More" organized by the municipality of Piraeus, local residents were welcomed to the Chinese corner to share Chinese delicacies and a glass of Baijiu (white alcohol).

"Share unique moments with us, regardless of big (geographical) distances," read banners raised next to the stage where groups performed dragon and lion dances and Chinese martial arts.

A few steps further, visitors also enjoyed a photo exhibition of Chinese culture and tourist destinations.

Piraeus Mayor Yiannis Moralis and Chinese Ambassador to Greece Xiao Junzheng attended the event, which was held as the two countries celebrate this year's 50th anniversary of Greece-China diplomatic relations, as well as the China-Greece Year of Culture and Tourism.

Elli Maurokefalou and her friend Maritina, both high-school students, were among the people who queued for a bite of Chinese dishes and applauded the performances.

"I love Chinese culture so much...I enjoy listening to Chinese songs," Maritina told Xinhua.

"I would love to visit (China) someday and stay for a long time. We often gather together and enjoy Chinese cuisine," Elli added.