People in Laibin, a small city in southwest China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, will enjoy a French carnival Saturday, part of the ongoing China-France Cultural Year, a governmental organizer said Sunday.

This will be the third time for people to see such an event in the city.

The event, a major cultural exchange activity between the city and Dunkirk, France, was initiated by about 50 French employees of the Guangxi Laibin Synergie Generation Operation and Maintenance Co. Ltd, a Sino-French joint venture, who organized a parade in 2001.

The exotic activity, though it may not have too many participants, has aroused extensive interest among local people, the organizer said.

The event gained more momentum when it was held in 2003, attracting more than 100,000 local people and tourists.

The local government decided to sponsor the event at the carnival this year and make it a regular cultural event.

More than 2,000 people, including a French band from Dunkirk and a mask team of the Sino-French joint venture are expected to appear in the parade.

In addition to the parade and performances, a commodity fair and a business bidding fair will be staged, the organizer said.

Laibin City, with a population of more than 177 million, boasts beautiful scenery and attractive ethnic cultures.

(Xinhua News Agency May 10, 2005)