Happy year of the Dragon in Madrid
Chinese New Year in Madrid is a vibrant, colorful and fast-paced celebration that brings together the Chinese community and the city’s residents in a holiday full of tradition, culture and much, much joy. eMadrid wants to bring you this holiday, also known as the Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year, it marks the beginning of the year in the Chinese calendar and is celebrated on February 10, 2024, coinciding with the second new moon after the solstice of winter.
The event in Madrid is a sample of the rich Chinese cultural heritage that has been integrated into the life of the city. On February 10, the Year of the Dragon will begin and, for the ninth consecutive year, Madrid will celebrate it with a complete program of activities.
The Plaza de España and the Usera neighborhood are the main placeswhere the Chinese New Year festivities will take place in Madrid. The Usera neighborhood is known for its Chinese population, which makes it the epicenter of the celebrations. Weeks before the Chinese New Year, the community begins to prepare, decorating streets and shops with red lanterns, lanterns and dragons, traditional symbols of good fortune and protection.
On the day of the celebration, the Plaza de EspañaIt is filled with food stalls, cultural and artistic activities, and traditional Chinese performances. The tantalizing aromas of Chinese street food fill the air, and visitors can enjoy authentic dishes such as dumplings, spring rolls, and glutinous rice buns. It is a unique opportunity to try authentic Chinese cuisine in a festive and authentic atmosphere.
One of the highlights of the Chinese New Year in Madrid is the parade, which runs through the main streets of Usera. With endless colorful traditional costumes, musicians, dancers and huge paper and fabric dragons and lions that, carried by groups of people, are a spectacle in themselves. The sound of drums and gongs echoes through the air as participants dance and move the dragons in a coordinated manner, creating an impressive visual and auditory experience. Dragons represent wisdom, bravery and good luck, and are believed to ward off evil spirits and attract prosperity.
During the parade, participants also hand out red envelopes, known as “hongbao,” containing money or candy. These envelopes symbolize prosperity and are a gesture of goodwill towards viewers. Children, in particular, look forward to the arrival of these envelopes during the parade.
Traditional Chinese music and dance are essential elements of the festivitiesof the Chinese New Year in Madrid. Groups of local artists and visitors from China perform in the square, showing traditional dances such as lion, dragon and fan dance. Instruments such as the erhu and guzheng can also be heard, adding an even more authentic atmosphere to the celebration.
The Chinese New Year celebration in Madrid also includes art exhibitions, Chinese calligraphy displays, and educational activities about Chinese culture. Visitors can learn about Chinese history, mythology, and customs while exploring these exhibits.
At the center of the celebration is the feeling of community and shared joy. Both Chinese and Madrid residents come together to celebrate the city’s cultural diversity and learn more about the rich Chinese tradition. This holiday is not only an opportunity to enjoy food and entertainment, but also to foster understanding and friendship between different cultures.
Chinese New Year in Madrid is a vibrant and multicultural celebration that reflects the diversity of the city. And, at eMadrid, we don’t want you to miss a single detail: from the dragon and lion parade to the delicious street food to the cultural performances. This holiday is a unique experience that unites the Chinese community and the people of Madrid in a celebration of good fortune and prosperity.
Dates
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- Dates: Drom January, 11 to Febrary, 12 of 2024
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