The province of Jujuy celebrated the arrival of the Lunar New Year with a special event that attracted attention in China. The ceremony took place at the Cabildo of Jujuy and featured a unique fusion of Chinese and Jujuy traditions through art, music, and gastronomy.
Nadia Serrano, director of the Cabildo of Jujuy, emphasized the importance of this celebration, mentioning that the opportunity to know Chinese culture is a very appealing aspect for Argentinians and, in particular, for the residents of Jujuy. She highlighted that this event allowed for a fusion between two ancient cultures, the Chinese and the Jujuy culture.
The free admission event marked the beginning of the celebrations for the Lunar New Year, dedicated this year to the wooden snake. Serrano described the celebration as special, as it coincided with the first edition after UNESCO recognized the Spring Festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The activities, organized by the Government of Jujuy and the Chinese Embassy in Argentina, included dance classes, culinary sampling, shadow theater demonstrations, and Chinese martial arts such as Kung Fu. A highlighted moment was the fusion between the Chinese dragon and the "Jujuy devils," symbols of the sun in the local tradition that represent joy and the festive spirit.
Serrano emphasized the importance of hosting the celebration in the far north of Argentina, mentioning the presence of a Chinese community in Jujuy. The day offered various activities such as the dragon dance, a talk on traditional Chinese medicine, and an exhibition of costumes from Chinese ethnic minorities. This cultural exhibition will be open to the public until February 14 at the Pachamama Hall of the Cabildo.
The festivities continued in Salta and will extend to Buenos Aires and La Plata, demonstrating the significance and interest in this celebration at the national level.
