Over 1,700 migrant workers enjoy the banquet held at a gym in Guangzhou on Feb 9. [Photo/Xinhua]

More than 1,700 migrant workers from over 400 companies in Guangzhou Development District were treated to a Spring Festival banquet on Feb 9.

Feb 9 marks the Little New Year, or xiaonian in Chinese. The festival falls on the 23rd or 24th of the 12th month of the lunar year when sacrifices are made to the culinary god.

To honor this special occasion, migrant workers were treated to a grand feast which featured dumplings alongside a wealth of other tasty dishes. A Spring Festival gala was held as well.

Migrant workers in Guangzhou pose for a group photo at the banquet. [Photo/Xinhua] 

The festival has been held every year since 1996 with the aim of spreading holiday cheer to those unable to return to their hometowns for the Chinese Lunar New Year.

The performances in the gala were all planned and performed by ordinary workers and displayed their wholehearted devotion to their jobs in Guangzhou.

"The performances depicted our everyday life, so we could really feel the happiness and sense of accomplishment," said one worker.