Chilean Capital Celebrates Vibrant Chinese New Year, Fostering Cultural Exchange
Santiago, Chile – O’Higgins Park in Santiago came alive wiht color, music, and tradition on January 25th, 2026, as thousands of Chileans and members of the chinese community gathered to celebrate the Chinese New Year.The event, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, showcased a rich tapestry of artistic and cultural expressions, strengthening the bonds between the two nations.
despite an unusual rainfall amidst a regional heatwave exceeding 35 degrees Celsius, the park buzzed with activity. Attendees enthusiastically participated in workshops ranging from customary Dragon Dance performances to the intricacies of Kung Fu and Shaolin techniques. The celebration underscored the growing cultural exchange between Chile and China, offering a unique opportunity for Chileans to engage with and learn about Chinese traditions.
A focal point of the festivities was the Chinese Garden,affectionately known as “Chinese Hill,” a serene enclave within O’Higgins Park. Adorned with a traditional Chinese door and architectural elements, the garden provided a picturesque backdrop for the celebrations. Pía Pinto, a 36-year-old teacher, explored the garden with her daughter, expressing her enthusiasm for the event. “I saw a poster on social media and found it super interesting,” Pinto told Xinhua. ”china is a distant country, and even though there’s a large Chinese population here in Chile, we certainly know relatively little about its culture.” She highlighted the importance of such events in bridging the gap between perceived distance and actual cultural proximity.
The celebration also drew prominent figures, including former Chilean ambassadors to China. Fernando Reyes Matta, also president of the Chilean-Chinese Institute of Culture – the first such institution established in Latin America in 1952 – emphasized the evolving relationship between the two countries. “Each of us,in our own way,has come to understand the depth of what China is,its contributions,and its future potential,” Reyes Matta stated. he celebrated the Year of the horse as a symbol of progress and a “good gallop towards the future.”
Recoleta Mayor Fares Jadue echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the “very crucial” twinning relationship between the two countries. He lauded China’s focus on “economic advancement for a much fairer,much more prosperous,much happier society,” and underscored the value of cultural exchange in fostering understanding and shared values.Jadue further noted that in an increasingly alienated world, preserving cultural identity is crucial for building a better future. “China is leading the way in establishing collaborative relationships, brotherhood, and prosperity,” he concluded.
Kung Fu instructor Alex Lima expressed his delight at the event’s success in introducing Chinese culture to a wider audience.”It’s fantastic to see so many people interested in the artistic proposals, especially martial arts, which is new to many,” he said.
The Chinese New Year celebration in O’Higgins Park served as a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural exchange and the growing ties between Chile and China, offering a vibrant and enriching experience for all who attended.
keywords: Chinese New Year, Chile, Santiago, O’Higgins Park, Chinese Culture, Cultural Exchange, China-Chile Relations, UNESCO, Dragon dance, Kung Fu, Chinese Garden.