After the celebration of the Chinese New Year, which began with the traditional lion painting ceremony on the snake year stage, installed in the Plaza del Consejo Municipal del Usuario, Marta Rivera de Cruz, Delegate of Culture, Tourism and Sports, and district councilor Sonia Cel, along with the Chinese ambassador to Spain, Yan Jing, and representatives of the main Chinese associations, participated in the start of these holidays. The programming was organized by the Department of Culture, Tourism, and Sport, the Municipal Council of User, Chinese and Neighbor Associations, Artistic Collective, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, the China Cultural Center in Madrid, Asia, and Educational Centers.
From today until February 2, the district of Madrid becomes the main stage for this encounter with Chinese culture, with some events extending until February 28. During the inauguration, the Lions performed their traditional dance, a Chinese symbol to awaken and attract luck in the New Year. Subsequently, a demonstration of the classic tea ceremony and the unity of the Chinese associations in UserA showcased dances and exhibitions of their traditional culture, accompanied by a musical session with DJ Manolo.
«I have just welcomed the Chinese New Year with a grand tea ceremony and the opening of a large market with food stalls and gastronomic crafts that will provide space for an entire weekend,» said Rivera de Cruz. Sonia Cel, on the other hand, emphasized that the Chinese New Year celebrations are «one of the most anticipated events for the district and the city of Madrid, demonstrating the cultural coexistence experienced throughout the year.»
The offerings continue throughout the weekend with flavors and arts from China at the gastronomic and market areas, featuring Chinese product stalls, food trucks serving traditional dishes, workshops, and wish-making activities near the Municipal Council of USRA, where visitors can hang their hopes for the year.
On Saturday, starting at 8:20 pm, the Uzra Board Store will host Chinese Vibrations, a live DJ Yang electric session showcasing the latest music from China.
Exhibitions, workshops, and business meetings
On February 16, the exhibition hall of the USRA Cultural Center presents the photographic proposal Spring Festival, showcasing the different customs of celebrating this festival, recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage in 2024.
Until February 28, the exhibition of Chinese ink Robin, a collection of 23 ink paintings by master artist Yue Yu, will be on display at the Municipal Council of Users exhibition hall, exploring the extraordinary meaning of this color in both Spain and China.
Additionally, until February 28, the Maris Stella Environmental and Cultural Education Center is hosting the exhibition A Glimpse of Weihai, created in collaboration with the Weihai Photographers Association. Through the lenses of photographers from this coastal city in China, the exhibition offers insights into the daily life of a city that preserves its roots as it moves towards the future. The opening on Saturday will feature a concert by the Neib Music group (Xuezhu Yuexing).
For the little ones, on Saturday, February 1, storyteller Gabriela Waisberg will present The Arrival of the Wooden Serpent at the José Hierro Library, with sessions at 12:00 and 16:00. Children aged 3 to 12 will learn about the traditions of these traditional holidays. Additionally, CEAC Maris Stella will organize Chinese plant workshops on Saturday and paper snake-making activities, while the Cultural Center of Users will offer meditation workshops and mask cutting and painting workshops showcasing Beijing’s craftsmanship.
Furthermore, on February 7 and 8, there will be workshops on creating Java and Chinese shadow puppets, and on February 8, a calligraphy workshop, all at Ceac Maris Stella. The same venue will host «Chinese New Year for Entrepreneurs: Weihai Connections» on February 4, a workshop focusing on strategic knowledge of the Chinese market and the country’s cultural wealth, with a special emphasis on economic opportunities and collaboration offered by the city of Weihai.
Chinese New Year Parade
On Sunday, February 2, starting at 12:00, the highly anticipated multicultural Chinese New Year parade will take place. Nearly 1,300 participants will start from Marcelo Uusera Street in a popular event that attracted over 40,000 participants last year.
The parade will shine with spectacular Chinese floats, accompanied by performances by Chinese community associations showcasing traditional dances and choreographies. Participants will be dressed in traditional costumes like Qipao or attire evoking the majestic aesthetics of ancient dynasties. There will also be costumes inspired by snakes.
Creativity will play a special role: student groups from the Confucius Institute in Madrid will present their own creations, such as Chinese lanterns, a powerful symbol of purity and renewal in Chinese culture. Additionally, students from district schools will contribute their handmade crafts and costumes, many of them representing snakes, the symbol of wisdom and transformation.
Throughout the parade, charismatic characters will teach the audience how to greet the Chinese New Year and share anecdotes about the customs surrounding this ancient holiday. The show will also feature acrobats, martial arts experts, and live music filling every corner of the route. The undeniable stars of the show will be the iconic dragons and lions, mythical figures dancing to the rhythm of drums, cymbals, and gongs, warding off evil spirits and attracting luck for the new year. /
For more information and the complete schedule: www.madridchino.com
