Small red lanterns of light that tremble gently between the hands of children and families. Santa Coloma de Gramenet has once again given the welcome to the Chinese New Year which this year commemorates the figure of the horse. On February 28, at 5 p.m., the city will host a new edition of the Festa dels Fanalets, one of the most visual and anticipated events for both the Chinese community and for curious people and lovers of local festivities.
The Festa dels Fanalets has consolidated itself as one of the most symbolic moments of the Chinese New Year celebrations in the city. Hundreds of participants spread throughout the city, with red, white, green, and gold colors and lanterns, figures, and attire that embrace the millennial traditions of the Chinese festivity. The festival is organized by theAssociació Cultural Popular Xinesa, one of the oldest and most important in the Àrea Metropolitana de Barcelona (AMB), which has been carrying out, since 2008, the Chinese New Year celebration parade in Santa Coloma.
What does the Year of the Horse mean?
Beyond the aesthetic impact, the act of the Festival of Lanterns has a strong symbolic charge. The welcome of the Year of the Horse is an opportunity for prosperity and renewal of a new cycle, according to members of the Associació Cultural popular Xinesa. The figure of the Horse recalls strength, indomitable freedom, and inexhaustible energy. A new year of movement, optimism, and renewal.
In Chinese culture, red lanterns are also a symbol of prosperity. Their use is related to weddings, festivals, and important dates such as Chinese New Year and the Festa dels Fanalets. It is also common to see them in Chinese businesses.
Two streets of lanterns that will meet at the same time
The Festa dels Fanalets, which is set for February 28, is a parade full of music, dance, and visual elements that will tour several streets of Santa Coloma. There will be two parades that will begin at 5 p.m. One at the corner of Escola Beethoven in the Fondo neighborhood, while the other will start in Plaça de la Vila.
The school parade will pass through Mossèn Jacint Verdaguer and Irlanda streets, Sant Sebastià avenue and Fondo avenue, until it culminates in the Clock Square. The other parade will start through Vila Square and continue along Sant Sebastià avenue. The two routes will meet at the intersection of Sant Sebastià avenue with Irlanda street, where they will follow the itinerary of the first parade, to the Clock Square, where the two groups will gather for the final shows.
During the route there will be pyrotechnics and it is recommended to follow the safety instructions, especially for people with hearing sensitivity.
