The Chinese New Year festival at Cenart was an explosion of color and tradition

The green areas of the National Arts Center (Cenart) overflowed with color and energy this Saturday. At around 2 p.m., according to official figures, more than 12,000 visitors gathered to celebrate the Fire Horse Chinese New Year Cultural Festival.

In 2026, the celebration was held under the sign of the horse, a symbol of dynamism, strength and passion. The date coincided with the Day of Love and Friendship, which gave a festive and family air to the event.

The sun fell strongly on the gardens, but that did not stop the families who came from all over Mexico City, and even from the Asian continent. Children bounced between tai chi and chi kung workshops, posed for photos with paper mache lions and dragons, and tried out clay tanghulu.

Adults scoured the paraphernalia stalls looking for stuffed animals, keychains, decorative figures and tampered glass. In every corner there was a murmur of languages, laughter and drums, and the aroma of steamed breads, aromatic broths and typical Chinese sweets wafted.

“It is incredible to see how the entire soccer classic came together with the Chinese New Year in the same place,” commented Héctor Luna, who came with his partner. “The heat is enjoyed among the music, the lions and the dragons. This was something that had to be experienced, not just seen in photos or videos.”

costume contest

The festival had three main venues. On the Dragon stage, located in the Circus pavilion, the celebration officially began with lion and dragon dances and shows from Beijing, such as Overflowing joy, of xiyangyang folk music, and Stampede of 10 thousand steeds, with throat singing or khoomei.

Shortly after, a costume contest was held in individual and group categories, whose winners were recognized during the meeting.

The León stage offered competitions cosplay, wushu and kung fu exhibitions, as well as Mexican folk dances that dialogued with Chinese rhythms.

In La Lomita, the Banyan company presented two shadow theater performances. Visitors toured a bazaar with more than 50 stands of Chinese cuisine and crafts and participated in workshops on calligraphy and traditional wei qi medicine.

“I came with my children because I wanted them to see Chinese art and culture live. It is an explosion of color, sound and tradition, and I love that they can learn about another culture from a young age,” Mariana Soto told The Day, mother of two children who couldn’t stop laughing while they followed the steps of a lion dance.

Music and poetry

Upon entering the Cenart, visitors received the exhibition bingwu year of the horse, with pieces that reflect the element of fire, present in the colors and figures, and that reinforces the passion, initiative and transformation that marks this year.

According to the Chinese worldview, it is a favorable period to take on challenges, make postponed decisions and seize opportunities with clarity and control.

“What I like most is the dialogue between cultures,” said Li Yan, a young tai chi practitioner. “I see people of all ages, mixing their traditions with ours. Nobody feels strange here; everyone learns something new every minute.”

The Saturday day included traditional music with the Jiemei group, poetry recitals such as Chun Xiao (Spring at Dawn) y Meihua (Plum Blossom), tai chi displays of chen, yang and wudang styles, and a hanfu and qipao catwalk that caught the attention of photographers and attendees alike.

Arturo Mendoza, fashion designer, said: “It’s like a trip to China without leaving the Mexican capital, and that fascinates me. Every detail, from the gastronomy to the music and the workshops, is designed so that the public has a complete experience.” He came to the festival to be inspired by traditional costumes.

Among the crowd were couples of lovers dressed in the same clothes, flowers and small details that they exchanged to the rhythm of the drums. “Love is also celebrated here,” said Lucía Ramírez, who arrived with her boyfriend from the city center. “It’s nice to see that Chinese New Year coincides with our Day of Love and Friendship; everything feels more special.”

For Leonora Munguía, 65 years old, Mexican and Chinese culture are lived with enthusiasm and respect. “This Fire Horse promises to open paths and awaken passions throughout 2026. The festival leaves a feeling of unity, celebration and cultural learning that will remain in the memories of those who participated,” he stated.

The party ended at 7 p.m. The authorities were contemplating an influx of up to 40 thousand visitors, although at the time of going to press the final number was not yet available. The activities of the cultural meeting will conclude on February 27.