Madrid unveils Chinese New Year celebrations plan

MADRID - A spokeswoman with the Madrid Town Hall on Monday made the official presentation of the Chinese New Year celebrations, saying the Spanish capital will be filled with "color and dance" to ring in the Chinese Year of the Dog.

The spokeswoman Rita Maestre made the presentation in the presence of the People's Republic of China Ambassador to Spain Lyu Fan.

At the event held in the Chinese Cultural Center, Maestre also explained the Madrid Local Authority was cooperating with the Chinese Embassy in the organization and coordination of the events, which will be held from Feb 12 until Mar 11.

Lyu Fan in turn expressed his thanks and highlighted the "positive attitude" the Madrid region and Spanish government held towards the Chinese community, saying it was a "lesson in understanding between two communities."

Around 53,000 Chinese live in the Madrid region, but every year the Chinese New Year celebrations attract more attention from Madrilenos eager to experience Chinese culture.

Among this year's events are the China Taste food festival held in 16 of the capital's most prestigious Chinese restaurants, which will make a donation to the charity United Firefighters Without Borders for every meal that is eaten.

Madrid's National Auditorium will once again host the traditional Chinese New Year concert on Feb 14, while the Usera district of Madrid, which is home to many Chinese residents, is the venue for the New Year Festival to be held over three days starting Feb. 16 with the traditional street parade, children's workshops, and demonstrations of Chinese calligraphy, martial arts, and tai-chi.

The following weekend, Madrid's landmark Plaza Espana will become the home of the Chinese Tradition Fair, an event which highlights Chinese artisanal and cultural traditions.

And finally, the Chinese Cultural Center will host a series exhibitions, concerts, and films over the New Year period.