Dragons, martial arts and coloured smoke: this is how the Chinese New Year was celebrated in Zaragoza

Dragons and the colour red have flooded Alfonso Street in Zaragoza in celebration of the Chinese New Year. Although the beginning of the new year took place on 29 January under the sign of the Wooden Snake, the capital of Aragon wanted to join in the celebrations this Sunday with a grand parade. At 12 noon, with the streets packed, the procession began its journey from Fuenclara Street to Plaza del Pilar.

The parade was attended by more than 100 dancers, martial arts specialists, singers and representatives of Chinese culture. Led by the Confucius Institute of the University of Zaragoza and accompanied by the Minister of Culture, Education and Tourism, Sara Fernández, the parade was marked by the presence of the legendary figure of the giant puppet dragon, accompanied by traditional lions and red and blue smoke to celebrate the year of the Wooden Snake.

In addition, a large number of participants dressed in traditional Chinese costumes, percussion instruments and the Coscorrón Animation Band have brought rhythm and colour to a show that has attracted hundreds of people along the route.

CHINESE NEW YEAR IN PLAZA DEL PILAR

Upon reaching the Plaza del Pilar, the celebration continued on the stage set up in the area of ​​the Government Delegation, where they showed various performances inspired by Chinese tradition. Among them, the lion dance of the Chinese School, with roots in martial arts and used to scare away evil spirits from the earthly world.

The event also included Chinese dance and opera performances by teachers from the Confucius Institute, as well as martial arts displays by the Gowng Zau Kung Fu School, KPOP dancing and a parade of traditional Chinese costumes. Music also took centre stage, with the performance of the popular song “Youthful Joy in the Year of the Snake” by the Institute’s students.