The streets and local restaurants displayed decorations alluding to one of the main festivities bequeathed by the Asian nation, which led to the tasting of typical dishes while the iconic San Fancon Square hosted the exhibition of martial arts starring students and instructors from the Cuban Wushu and Quigong School.

According to Teresa Li, director of the House of Chinese Arts and Traditions, for overseas Chinese communities, the celebration takes on great significance in the Year of the Tiger which, after two years of restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, brings us the energy and vitality to restart a new stage of life.

In addition to the traditional Lion Dance held in the heart of Chinatown, there was the opening of an exhibition of paintings by artists from the community, who showed the values of this ancient culture, its customs and idiosyncrasy.

The Spring Festival, corresponding to the Chinese New Year 2022, not only gathers the descendants in the country, but the Cuban population also enjoys the variety of activities planned such as the sale of handicrafts, spices and ornamental plants while sharing the spirit of friendship that surrounds the original commemoration.

Activities linking culinary art with dance expressions, exhibitions, book presentations, tributes and lectures, sponsored by the House of Chinese Arts and Traditions and the Barrio Chino Budget Unit, will continue until February 14.

In 2021, the celebration took place online due to the Covid-19 pandemic in the country and this year, the organizing committee seeks to rescue and show the traditions inherited from the Chinese who started to arrive in Cuba after 1847. jg/etc/jha/chm