In recent years, the Spring Festival has gained growing popularity in Latin America. Countries such as Suriname and Panama have declared it an official holiday.

by Chen Weihua, Zhang Tuo

MEXICO CITY, Feb. 26 (Xinhua) -- Despite the vast distance, the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, has captivated people across Latin America, vividly reflecting the growing ties between China and the region.

Across major Latin American capitals such as Buenos Aires, Santiago and Mexico City, landmarks have been illuminated in red to mark the occasion.

In Buenos Aires, iconic landmarks including Puente de la Mujer and Floralis Generica were lit up. In Santiago, Chile, a giant lantern installation featuring panda figures from southwest China's Sichuan Province brightened the summer nights.

In Mexico City, decorations of the Chinese zodiac Horse adorned neighborhoods in the historic center, while in Brazil, the festive atmosphere blended with the passionate rhythms of Carnival.

In the Puerto Madero barrio of Buenos Aires, Dragon Boat races celebrating the Year of the Horse drew widespread attention. Nearly 450 rowers from about 30 teams paddled across the waters of the Rio de la Plata, bringing a traditional Chinese activity into the heart of the city.

Such activities have increasingly become part of local life. "Each year we learn a little more about Chinese culture," said Julieta Esmaiman Strua, one of the competitors.

Sergio Maximiliano Bracco, captain of one of the boats, highlighted the essence and the enthusiasm behind the sport. "Dragon Boat racing requires teamwork. Chinese culture teaches us to unite our efforts and row toward a common goal," he said.

In recent years, the Spring Festival has gained growing popularity in Latin America. Countries such as Suriname and Panama have declared it an official holiday.

In Panama City's Chinatown, Debora Rivera and her family joined early celebrations. For her, the crackle of firecrackers, the rhythmic drumbeats, the Lion and Dragon dances, and the wide array of Chinese cuisine all combined to create an indispensable festive experience.

"Although we are Panamanians, Chinese New Year has already become a family tradition," she said during the celebrations.

"I strongly identify with Chinese culture, and I believe these celebrations help dispel the hardships of the past year and bring hope," she added.

Across Latin America, customs such as posting spring couplets, preparing dumplings, or jiaozi, distributing red envelopes, practicing Tai Chi have gained popularity.

In Porto Alegre, Brazil, siblings Olivia Pedroso and Samuel performed a Lion Dance. Members of Brazil's national youth Wushu team train at a local school founded by their parents to promote Chinese martial arts.

Samuel said Chinese Wushu carries deep cultural meaning and that their school has become a "small ambassador" of Chinese culture.

For Milagros Alderete, a student at the University of Buenos Aires, celebrating the Chinese New Year has evolved into a lasting interest in Chinese culture. Studying fashion design, she draws inspiration from China's millennia-old textile heritage. "China has a splendid history, and its traditional clothing is an inexhaustible source of inspiration," she said.

The economic impact of the Spring Festival is resonating across the Pacific. During the holiday season, emblematic Latin American products such as cherries, red wine, beef and coffee from countries including Chile, Uruguay and Colombia have become popular gifts in China.

According to the Cherry Committee of Fruits of Chile, the country exported 113.8 million boxes of cherries in the 2025-2026 period, with 87 percent destined for China, where the Spring Festival marks the peak sales period.

Chilean fruit exporter Patricio Ulloa said understanding the Chinese New Year is crucial for business, noting that red symbolizes prosperity and wealth in Chinese culture.

As cooperation between China and Latin America deepens under initiatives such as the Belt and Road, flagship projects including the Port of Chancay in Peru have bolstered bilateral trade.

In 2025, Peru's exports reached a record 90.082 billion U.S. dollars, up 21 percent year on year. Exports to China rose more than 30 percent, becoming a key driver of overall growth.

The Port of Chancay has played a pivotal role in facilitating shipments of fresh Peruvian fruits, including avocados, blueberries, citrus fruits, apples and grapes, to Chinese consumers.

"Happy New Year to friends in China and Peru," Jason Guillen, manager of Cosco Shipping Ports Chancay Peru, told Xinhua. He said the new land-sea corridor connecting Chancay and Shanghai not only boosts Peru's trade but also benefits other Latin American countries.