A Xiju Opera show is offered in Wuxi to celebrate the first Xiju Opera Day. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

Wuxi, the birthplace of Xiju Opera in East China's Jiangsu province, hosted an array of significant cultural events from June 7 to 20 to mark the first official Xiju Opera Day, which fell on June 7.

This thematic event featured performances by both renowned and emerging artists and playwrights, as well as artistic discussions and activities such as masterclasses, aimed at popularizing the art form.

The inaugural Xiju Opera Day-themed art event turned the city into a vibrant theater. From city landmarks to township halls, and from professional theaters to school classrooms, Wuxi showcased a diverse array of Xiju Opera performances. Locals had the opportunity to enjoy classic performances by masters as well as shows featuring emerging young talent, all available to them anytime, anywhere.

Students put on a Xiju Opera show in Wuxi to mark the first Xiju Opera Day. [Photo/WeChat account: wuxishilvyouju]

Originating in Wuxi and flourishing in Wuxi and Changzhou, Xiju Opera is poised for new growth in contemporary Jiangnan region. The inaugural Xiju Opera Day was both a tribute to tradition and a declaration of the art form's future.

Having a dedicated day for a local opera through legislation is rare nationwide, signaling that Xiju Opera is not just nostalgia for older audiences but a vital cultural touchstone for younger generations and an indispensable part of Wuxi's cultural identity.