Barcelona’s Chinese community is getting ready to celebrate entering the Chinese New Year on 4715 on the first new moon of the year, which falls on the 28th January. The year of the Fire Rooster is said to have a more grounded energy than 2016’s fire monkey, which characterised a year of sudden surprises, both welcome and otherwise. The Rooster is a leader, and its energy nudges us to take responsibility for aspects of our lives that we haven’t been paying sufficient attention.
It’s a Chinese tradition to prepare for the New Year by thoroughly cleaning the house, paying debts, and symbolically marking the fresh start by buying new clothes or having a haircut.
Official celebrations take place on Saturday 4th February, with a colourful procession that leaves from the Parc del Estació del Nord at 11.30am. There will be a carnivalesque performance on arrival at Arc de Triomf at 12.30pm. Chinese and Catalan elements fuse in this lively festival, which includes both Chinese and Catalan dragons, costumed participants from all cultures, music and percussion.
It is organised in collaboration with the Casa Asia, Barcelona City Council and other entities.
If you’re looking for a good Chinese restaurant to celebrate, you can’t go wrong with Out of China (Aribau 112). It’s definitely not the cheapest, but the food is authentic and delicious.
