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
Airstrikes and explosions continued on Sunday, the 23rd day of the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict, as Iran has warned of broader retaliation if U.S. targets its power facilities.
Explosions were heard in eastern and western Tehran on Sunday night, according to a China Media Group reporter. Footage from the reporter showed that Tehran's air defense system was continuously activating to intercept incoming projectiles.
The reporter also said that the sound of the air defense system in operation was heard in northeastern Tehran on Sunday afternoon.
On Sunday, Iran's primary military command, Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, issued a statement warning that power plants in countries hosting U.S. bases would be considered legitimate targets if the United States attacks Iran's power facilities.
The statement came in response to remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump threatening to target Iran's power infrastructure, according to Iranian state media Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting.
Trump threatened on Saturday to "hit and obliterate" Iranian power plants if the country fails to fully open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours.
The Strait of Hormuz has not been fully closed and remains under Iran's "smart control," with non-harmful transit continuing under specific regulations to ensure national security and interests, the statement from Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said.
If U.S. threats are carried out, Iran would immediately adopt several punitive measures, including the full closure of the Strait of Hormuz until damaged Iranian facilities are rebuilt, it said.
Other measures would include large-scale strikes on Israel's power, energy and communications infrastructure, attacks on regional companies with U.S. capital ties, and targeting power facilities in countries hosting U.S. military bases, the statement said, adding that Iran would take "all necessary measures" to defend its national interests.
On Sunday, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said the Strait of Hormuz is open to all "except those who violate Iran's territory."
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Sunday that the Israeli military struck Iranian weapons production and storage facilities.
Iran warns of broader retaliation if U.S. targets its power facilities
