Buenos Aires is preparing for a vibrant celebration of the Chinese New Year, officially welcoming the arrival of the Year of the Fire Horse. The festivities, organized by the Chinatown Association of Buenos Aires and the Federation of Chinese Reunification in Argentina with support from the Buenos Aires Government, will unfold across several days, blending traditional customs with contemporary cultural expressions.
The core of the celebrations will center around Chinatown, hosting a four-day party from to , coinciding with the long Carnival weekend. The peak of the festivities is scheduled for , marking the farewell to the Year of the Snake and the official greeting to the Year of the Horse.
Beyond the central Chinatown events, the celebrations will begin with an open day on at the Plaza of the Argentine National Parks. This initial event will feature traditional dances, artistic displays and a taste of Chinese gastronomy, offering a family-friendly introduction to the month-long New Year observances.
The Chinatown festivities themselves promise a large-scale artistic and cultural program, involving 288 businesses, cultural institutions, and organizations within the community. A central spectacle will feature dragon and lion dances performed on tall poles, alongside live performances with Argentine horses. Martial arts exhibitions, a diverse range of musical acts – both traditional and contemporary – DJs, and live shows will contribute to the energetic atmosphere.
The celebrations aren’t solely focused on performance. Traditional and modern fashion shows are planned, alongside artistic interventions, and murals. Urban artist Índigo Ars will contribute to the visual landscape, and attendees can expect to encounter robots and robotic dogs as part of the festivities. Open gastronomic and cultural activities, raffles, and activations will further enhance the celebratory experience.
A symbolic work by goldsmith Juan Carlos Ballrolls will serve as an offering to the Year of the Horse. The event is also expected to draw guests from the cultural, artistic, and communication fields, as well as influencers and social leaders.
Adding a unique sporting element to the cultural program, the traditional dragon boat race will take place on on the dikes of Puerto Madero. This competition blends sport, tradition, and a sense of collective spirit.
The Chinese New Year celebrations in Buenos Aires reflect the city’s diverse cultural landscape and the significant Chinese diaspora present in Argentina. The festivities are not limited to Buenos Aires, as celebrations are also taking place in Indonesia, which is home to the largest Chinese diaspora, and other locations around the globe. In Indonesia, celebrations include ‘Barongsai’ (lion dance) performances, notably at Borobudur Temple.
The upcoming Lunar New Year, marking the transition to the Year of the Snake in , is a major festival observed across several Asian countries, known by different names – Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam, Seollal in Korea, and Imlek in Indonesia. The festival, which begins with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and lasts for 15 days, is also widely celebrated by diaspora communities worldwide.
The Chinese zodiac, a 12-year cycle represented by 12 animals – Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig – plays a central role in these celebrations. Each animal is believed to influence the characteristics of the year and the individuals born within it. Those born in 2025 will fall under the sign of the Snake, while 2026 marks the Year of the Fire Horse.
The celebrations in Buenos Aires, like those around the world, are rooted in ancient traditions. The use of loud noises, fire, and the color red originated from beliefs that these elements could ward off mythical creatures. Whether celebrated in Beijing or Buenos Aires, the Lunar New Year remains a time for family gatherings, auspicious food, and the exchange of blessings.
