On February 24, 2026, The Association for the Promotion of Arts and Culture and New Silk Road and Lo Rat Penat, a historic cultural institution in Valencia, jointly hosted the “Chinese New Year Cultural Salon” at the headquarters of Lo Rat Penat in Valencia. Centered on the traditional culture of Chinese New Year, the event offered the Spanish public an enriching cultural experience combining knowledge sharing, musical performances and traditional customs. Nearly one hundred local cultural figures and members of the public attended, creating a warm and lively atmosphere.
Sharing the Story of Chinese New Yearand Promoting Traditional Chinese Culture
At the beginning of the event, Mr. ZouChuang, President of The Association for the Promotion of Arts and Culture and New Silk Road, introduced the history, origins and customs of Chinese New Year to the guests. In an engaging presentation, he shared the traditional legend of the “Nian” beast and explained the cultural significance behind customs such as putting up Spring Festival couplets, setting off firecrackers, hanging lanterns, eating dumplings and giving red envelopes. He also introduced a variety of festive activities traditionally associated with the holiday, including temple fairs, dragon and lion dances, and lantern viewing during the Lantern Festival.
President Zou Chuang said: “Chinese New Year is not only the most important traditional festival in China, but also an important carrier of the Chinese people's emotional bonds and cultural memory. Through cultural exchange activities like this, we hope to help more Spanish friends understand the history and cultural spirit behind Chinese New Year,
deepen mutual understanding through exchange, and build friendship through understanding.”
Traditional Chinese Music Conveys the Charm of the East
The event was followed by a pianoperformance by Ms. Wang Yixian, Secretary-General of The Association for the Promotion of Arts and Culture and New Silk Road. The programme featured traditional Chinese melodies and classic folk songs, including Jasmine Flower, Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon, Water Grass Dance and The Cowherd’s Flute. The elegant melodies combined traditional Chinese musical elements with the expressive form of Western piano performance, allowing the audience to experience the subtlety and poetic character of Chinese music through a familiar instrument. The performance was warmly applauded by the audience.
Paper-Cut Window Decorations Convey Festive Blessings
The Association also presented traditional Chinese paper-cut window decorations to the audience as symbols of good fortune and blessings. Special gifts were given to guests born in the Year of the Horse. These delicate handmade paper-cut artworks showcased the unique charm of Chinese folk art while bringing a strong festive atmosphere to the event.
The Spirit of the Silk Road Connecting Past and Present
Mr. José Vicente Navarro Raga, President of Lo Rat Penat, said during the event: “Lo Rat Penat has always been committed to protecting and promoting Valencian traditions. Today, through Chinese New Year, one of China's most important festivals, we have had the opportunity to discover a glimpse of this fascinating country and experience another profound and long-standing cultural tradition. This kind of exchange is not merely a presentation of culture; it is also a dialogue between civilizations.”
President Zou Chuang also said: “The Silk Road was not only a route for trade, but also a route for cultural exchange. The two associations represent the starting and ending points of the ancient Silk Road respectively, and in the new era, we continue to take on the mission of promoting cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Today's Chinese New Year Cultural Salon, jointly held in Valencia, is a continuation of the spirit of the Silk Road in the new era. We hope that gatherings like this will help us understand each other better, bring our cultures closer together, further strengthen friendship between China and Spain, and build a closer, more personal and stronger bridge between our two cultures.”
The two presidents jointly extended their Chinese New Year greetings to the guests, wishing everyone a happy Year of the Horse.
Looking Ahead: Deepening Cultural Cooperation
The successful holding of the Chinese New Year Cultural Salon not only provided local residents with an opportunity to learn about Chinese New Year culture, but also opened up new possibilities for cooperation in cultural and artistic exchange between China and Spain.
The Chinese New Silk Road Association for Cultural and Artistic Development and Lo Rat Penat said that they will continue to strengthen their exchanges and cooperation in the future, developing more joint initiatives in areas including art, music and the promotion of traditional culture, and working together to foster greater exchange and integration between Chinese and Spanish cultures.
About the the Association for the Promotion of Arts and Culture and New Silk Road
The Chinese New Silk Road Association forCultural and Artistic Development is a non-profit organization based in Valencia, Spain. It is committed to promoting cultural exchange and integration between China and Spain, and to serving as a bridge connecting different cultures through educational activities and cultural dissemination.
Valencia was historically regarded as thewestern terminus of the Silk Road. Building on this highly symbolic connection, the Association organizes a wide range of social and cultural exchange activities and research projects, as well as forums, round-table discussions and workshops in different fields of cultural communication. It also organizes
art exhibitions and educational and sports activities, while providing services to social and cultural organizations, educational institutions, artistic and cultural organizations, sports organizations, scholars and artists from both China and Spain.
About Lo Rat Penat
Founded in 1878, Lo Rat Penat is one of Valencia's oldest and most representative cultural organizations. It is dedicated to the promotion, preservation and study of the Valencian language and culture. The association's Jocs Florals de la Ciutat i Regne de València,first held in 1879, has continued to the present day and is one of the most prestigious literary competitions in the Valencian language.
Lo Rat Penat has also long organized competitions and cultural activities, including the llibret competitionassociated with the Fallas festival, the May Cross competition, piano
competitions and traditional cultural events. It has played an important role in the revival of Valencian culture, the development of language standards and the preservation of Valencian traditions, making a lasting contribution to the cultural and social development of Valencia.