* The author is part of the community of readers of La Vanguardia

On February 3, the arrival of the Chinese New Year was celebrated in Barcelona. The main event took place on Paseo de Lluís Companys, from the Arc de Triomphe to the Parc de la Ciutadella. From ten in the morning until eight at night, an endless number of cultural, gastronomic, spiritual and recreational activities were scheduled.

Currently, Barcelona hosts a Chinese community of just over 20,000 people, so the atmosphere and the packed house was to be expected on the avenue where the festival took place.

Numerous associations domiciled in Catalonia of Chinese origin along with other specifically Catalan entities were in charge of organizing the event, which has already been running for ten years. The Confuci Institute Foundation of Barcelona, ??Casa Asia, the City Council and the Consulate General of the Republic also supported the event. China in Barcelona. The act undoubtedly constitutes an undeniable citizen cohesion.

According to the Chinese calendar, the year 4722 has passed, which following its zodiac will constitute the year of the dragon, one of the twelve animals that make up the Chinese horoscope. It symbolizes strength, majesty and status. And, specifically, this year will be the year of the Wooden Dragon.

This photographic report in La Vanguardia’s Readers’ Photos corresponds to part of the events held that Saturday afternoon.

As soon as I arrived at Passeig de Lluís Companys I entered the crowd that packed it. Chinese, Barcelonans, tourists and other visitors from multiple backgrounds immediately absorbed me into the fun. And, almost without wanting to, I found myself in the middle of the crowds formed in front of each gastronomic booth or stall selling souvenirs and typical Chinese products, which lined both sides of the central promenade of the avenue.

And the truth is that the food stalls were very attractive and delicious, even though, as I said before, I went in the afternoon shortly after having eaten. So I postponed whim and gluttony and dedicated myself to the work that had brought me there.

I got that first impression more through the viewfinder of my camera, than from a relaxed and curious walk, since I had little time to make the visit.

With great surprise, I observed that, to my left, going up, a singular room had been set up, more or less closed, which invited meditation inside, presided over by a central altar. A solemn and spiritual event was held there by the Hai Hui Shan Buddhist Association in Spain. It caught my attention and I had a good time fraternizing with some master of ceremony.

Next, I ascended the promenade until very close to the Arc de Triomphe, where a large stage was installed that hosted dances, performances and shows continuously. The Huaxing Artists Association had an important participation in them, with the support of the entities mentioned above.

I was able to attend the Lion Dance, promoted by the Confucius Institute Foundation of Barcelona, ??the flamenco dance, organized by the Center Cívic del Besós and Maresme, and a much more current dance, with loud music, known as Aespa-Drama, carried performed by J6 Dance Studio.

But I think the best thing was to snack here and there, from the atmosphere of the food stalls, to the stages, and, above all, to the passing of Chinese men and women dressed in traditional costumes. It really was a party, and the groups that formed, danced or improvised sittings and snacks in the midst of the tumult attested to it.

Lots of color and expression, overflowing fun, constant delicatessen and social cohesion were responsible for welcoming the year 4722. May it be a good year for everyone. Let’s not forget that time is a convention, so something will affect us Westerners too. Let us hope that this is the case, and that China collaborates with the same ardor for peace in the world.