Young Peruvian Anna Paula Peralta Reyes recently shared a vlog recording her visit to Chinatown in Lima during the Spring Festival, to see how Chinese culture blends with her hometown.
Reyes studied at a Chinese school in Peru for 11 years before furthering her studies at Jilin University in China. During her time in China, she not only delved into Chinese culture but also forged heartwarming friendships with local residents.
Seeing Chinatown full of energy and color, Reyes can't help but admire the rich Spring Festival culture.
"Chinese New Year is here! A moment full of color, tradition, and joy," she said in Chinese.
In Lima's Chinatown, shops are decked out in red, the color of luck and prosperity. Chinese lanterns of all sizes light up the hallways, and every corner is decorated to welcome the Chinese New Year in the best way.
Among the traditional objects on display are Hong Bao, or red envelopes, where money is placed as a symbol of good fortune and blessings for the new year.
In every shop, there are products related to the animal of the year, the snake. It's the centerpiece of all celebrations and decorations.
Reyes said that at home, they follow many of the Chinese traditions, including eating noodles, upon the arrival of the Chinese New Year.
"This is how, in Lima, Peru, we experience the magic of Chinese New Year. It's the perfect moment to feel the joy of a culture that, despite the distance, feels closer than ever. May this Year of the Snake bring us all prosperity and health," she said.
Snake elements, traditional decorations highlight Chinatown in Peru
Snake elements, traditional decorations highlight Chinatown in Peru
The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.
In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.
"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.
Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.
The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."
Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.
President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.
Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.
Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.
The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.
Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests
