The celebrations for the Chinese New Year, which begins on January 29, will begin in Mexico on Saturday the 25th at the National Center for the Arts (Cenart).
In a conference that took place yesterday in the José Vasconcelos auditorium, Vicente Jurado, head of Cenart, stressed that this celebration, recognized on December 5 as intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO (The Day, 2/1/25), reaffirms as a space to intertwine the ancient traditions of Mexico and China, promoting encounter, reflection and mutual enjoyment
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He added that the celebration not only marks the beginning of a new cycle according to the lunar calendar, but also reinforces the ties between two cultures that share a deep worldview.
This year will be dedicated to the wooden snake, a figure that in some cultures is often misinterpreted as a symbol of coldness or mystery, but which in Chinese tradition is revered as an emblem of wisdom, luck and renewal.
Yang Chuanying, advisor to the Chinese embassy in Mexico, pointed out how this figure connects ancient Chinese mythology with the hopes of a year full of harmony and prosperity.
According to popular beliefs, the snake, in addition to being an omen of good fortune, represents a bridge between humanity and nature, reminding us of the importance of taking care of our environment for sustainable development.
reported the diplomat.
The green areas of Cenart will be filled with colors, music and flavors with a program that includes more than 25 free activities. From calligraphy workshops and lectures on the medicinal art of qi gong to displays of martial arts and traditional dance, the festival has something for every visitor.
One of the main attractions will be the music and dance show by artists from Ningbo, Zhejiang province, who will bring an authentic sample of Chinese performing traditions.
The opening, marked by the representative lion dance, will be the prelude to a day full of surprises that will include a hanfu catwalk, typical crafts, Chinese cuisine and sports activities. In addition, Shi Yan Xu, Shaolin monk and representative of the Shaolin temple in America, will offer an exhibition of Chinese and pre-Hispanic martial arts.
Yaride Risk, director and curator of the Chinese New Year Cultural Festival at Cenart, highlighted the notable growth of the event since its first edition, already considered a celebration of great impact.
In the first edition we received 5 thousand people; in the second, 12 thousand; in the third, 33 thousand, and this year we expect an influx of between 33 thousand and 35 thousand visitors.
Raúl Uribe, director of artistic programming, stressed that the experience will offer both enjoyment and serenity; Likewise, it guaranteed an environment suitable for families, couples and visitors of all ages and highlighted that the activities will encourage reflection and learning.
Yang Chuanying highlighted that this holiday reinforces social harmony, in addition to promoting greater understanding between nations.
The Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival, has established itself as a global event that transmits values of peace, unity and cooperation. Its inclusion in the representative list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO is a reflection of the global impact of this tradition.
he indicated.
This celebration has transcended borders, becoming a meeting point for diverse cultures, where people come together to share traditions and strengthen ties of friendship and solidarity.
The day of activities to celebrate the Chinese New Year at Cenart (Río Churubusco 79, Country Club Churubusco neighborhood, Mexico City) will take place on January 25, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., in the green areas of the venue. Admission is free.