Chinese New Year 2024 in Valencia : Activities and Accommodation
Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is a very important millennium celebration in China. For several years it has also been celebrated in many other parts of the world, where communities from the Asian country live, including Valencia.
This celebration marks the beginning of the lunar year and it is a time for families to come together, enjoy traditional dishes, and take part in cultural events and activities. The most curious thing is that the beginning of the year doesn’t coincide with ours. Unlike the Western calendar, which is based on a solar calendar, the Eastern Chinese calendar is based on a lunisolar calendar, which means that the start date of the year indicates the phase of the moon.
There are many activities and curiosities associated with this event that you might find interesting. Learn about how the city of Turia is preparing to welcome the Year of the Wood Dragon, from the parade to the festivities that will commemorate the Chinese New Year in Valencia 2024. Shall we get started?
Chinese New Year Parade in Valencia 2024
On Saturday, February 3rd, over 20,000 Chinese residents in Valencia will enjoy the spectacular parade. The parade will start from Pelayo street, pass through Xàtiva and Marqués de Sotelo, and end at the Plaza del Ayuntamiento.
The celebration will start at 6 p.m. and fill the city centre with colourful outfits, music and traditional dances such as taiji, wushu and martial arts. Spectators will be able to witness the dragon and lion dances, which symbolise energy and prosperity for the beginning of the Chinese New Year 2024 (the year 4722 according to the traditional Chinese calendar). The Chinese New Year parade will feature around 10 floats, each with approximately 80 participants.
The Federation of Chinese Associations of the Valencian Community will lead the organisation of the event, with support from the Confucius Institute of the University of Valencia and collaboration from other institutions.
Year of the Wood Dragon
According to the Chinese horoscope, the animal corresponding to 2024 is the dragon. It is the fifth animal in the cycle of twelve animals, following the rat, ox, tiger, and rabbit, and preceding the snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig.
Each animal is also associated with one of the Chinese Five Elements of nature: Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water. A complete cycle of the same animal and its corresponding element occurs only once every sixty years.
The natural element remains the same for two consecutive years. For example, if the dragon is made of wood in 2024, the snake will also be wooden in 2025.
Program of activities for the Chinese New Year in Valencia
The Chinese New Year is the most important celebration in China and has become one of Valencia's most popular festivals and traditions. Along with the Great Parade, there will be several free family activities to enjoy in Plaza del Ayuntamiento on Saturday, February 3, from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The Confucius Institute offers a range of cultural and folkloric activities, including traditional dances and songs, Chinese calligraphy, knot-tying, the lantern festival, and children's workshops. The schedule for these activities will be available soon on its website.
This event offers Valencians and visitors a unique opportunity to experience Chinese culture and engage with its traditional elements, including colourful costumes, native martial arts, tai chi, and authentic cuisine such as fish.
The best accommodations for Chinese New Year in Valencia
Discover the perfect fusion of Chinese New Year tradition and contemporary comfort at HQ Rooms apartments in the heart of Valencia. Enjoy the festivities from the comfort of your accommodation, just minutes away from the start of the 2024 Chinese New Year Grand Parade.
HQ Rooms has apartments in Valencia that are carefully located. These apartments not only offer a unique place to rest, but also provide the perfect starting point to explore all the wonders that the Chinese New Year in Valencia has to offer in 2024. Make the most of your stay by discovering the best hiking routes in Valencia and turning your time into a memorable experience.
Plans and activities
