The Chinese community in Cuba and the Chinese embassy in the Cuban capital Havana have been celebrating the Spring Festival with traditional arts, performances, and cuisines to celebrate the history and culture of the Chinese community in the country.
Centered around Havana's Chinatown, a colorful show of Chinese art and different traditional festive activities have been staged to celebrate the Spring Festival and the coming of the Year of the Snake.
The Spring Festival celebration, featuring both Chinese traditional culture and characteristics of local Cuban life, is a symbol and a monument to the history and tradition of the Chinese community on the island, according to Marcos Antonio Tamames, an expert in patrimony studies and cultural preservation.
"There was a historical process of Chinese settlement in Havana. Since Chinese coolies gained freedom, to anticipate the approaching Chinese New Year is an activity for them to preserve their traditions," said Tamames.
After decades of observance, the Spring Festival is not only a festival for Cuban Chinese to celebrate their roots, but a large celebration for both Chinese and locals. Havana's Chinatown, the epicenter of Chinese New Year celebrations, has preserved and promoted Chinese culture over the years.
"What makes Havana Chinatown so special? Well, it started as a group of immigrants who adapted to Cuban life, contributing to it and making it their own," said Tamames.
Chinese cultural centers and restaurants celebrating the festival can be found around Havana, with activities in the Chinese Wushu School and the Confucius Institute, and events held by the Chinese embassy in Havana. With Chinese traditional music and dances as well as a fair presenting Chinese crafts and food for people to enjoy, the event features deep bonds between the local Chinese community and China.
"This is not an isolated ethnic group. The Chinese overseas community, also quite distant, has been actively participating in the historic development of China," said Tamames.
Spring Festival celebrations in Cuba celebrates Cuban Chinese heritage
