LIMA, Feb. 10 (Xinhua) — Peruvians celebrated the arrival of the Chinese Lunar New Year this Saturday with great emotion and hope through the so-called “Great Parade of the Year of the Wooden Dragon,” which toured several streets in the center of Lima, capital from Peru.
This has been one of the most anticipated events for Peruvian lovers of Chinese culture, who did not hesitate to enjoy several hours of presentations such as the colorful and traditional Dragon and Lion Dance, which brought great joy and good wishes to those present. .
The emblematic dance, enjoyed by the citizens who walked through the place and by the merchants, was performed as every year by members of the León Group of the Central Chinese Charitable Society of Peru, who in the midst of music and dance were applauded by the public present.
The tour included visits to shops, restaurants and institutions in the emblematic Chinatown, where the owners placed lettuces with red ribbons on the upper frame of the doors so that the “lion-headed dragons” could grab them, destroy them and then throw them into the air. the spectators.
The lettuce, due to its green color, means hope and faith, while the red color of the ribbons symbolizes the energy that is in the blood of human beings and that is their primary driving force. Together, both give the message that work done with energy and hope can lead to success.
Shortly before offering the Dragon and Lion Dance show, Oscar Ruiz, general coordinator of the León Group, highlighted that this festival opens the doors for the good advent of this new year, which begins this February 10 according to the lunar calendar Chinese.
“The Chinese New Year is one of the greatest events celebrated in the year. And well, that culture, that part of China, we bring it here to Peru hoping that people like it and enjoy the show,” he said.
In Ruiz’s opinion, this dance in the spirit of China represents union, strength, energy.
He recalled that this artistic representation requires the participation of several young people who form a common force, and all collaborate to give shape to the mythical animal.
In that sense, the colorful cast led by Ruiz is currently made up of 120 members, including children and young people who actively participate in this group, and who train with discipline and perseverance in a location located on the third floor of the centrally located Jirón Azángaro.
During the tour, Elia Urmeneta, who is manager of municipal Economic Development, highlighted that this dance has been reactivated after the COVID-19 pandemic and that in 2024 it returns with great force in favor of Peruvians, to whom she wishes prosperity and wisdom. .
“We have a very close bond with the Chinese community, in fact, it is one of the largest migratory waves that reached our public. We have a very intense degree of brotherhood, so we are always working not only on the commercial side, but also on the strategic alliances for local economic reactivation,” he said.
The Peruvians who accompanied the tour agreed that the dragon is a symbol of strength and good fortune, while others took the opportunity to express their good wishes and faith for their family.
In recent days, Lima hosted the “Happy Chinese New Year” event, organized by the Chinese Embassy in Lima, in which the general public had the opportunity to enjoy an extensive cultural program and emotional speeches.