The Spring Festival, China’s most important traditional holiday, was included in December 2024 on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. The recognition celebrates the cultural value of Chinese New Year as a symbol of harmony, family ties and hope for a better life. The inclusion also reinforces the festival’s role as a bridge for cultural exchange between China and the world.
For Brazilian actress Daniela Tassy, who has lived in China for almost 11 years, the Spring Festival symbolizes unity and tradition. “What impresses me most is the travel season, the chunyunthe largest migration of people in the world. Although the seasons are different, everyone has a common destination: home,” she said. Since his first celebration of the festival in 2015, when he learned how to make jiaozi (Chinese dumplings), Daniela started to incorporate traditions such as wearing red clothes, a color associated with luck and happiness.
The appreciation of the Spring Festival is shared by Brazilians such as Vitor Moura, a student at Tsinghua University, who compared the festival to Christmas in Brazil. “It is a heritage of all human civilization, an event that deserves global respect.” For José Medeiros da Silva, professor at Zhejiang University of International Studies, the recognition by UNESCO reflects the importance that China gives to preserving its culture. “Inclusion on the list opens doors for the world to celebrate and better understand Chinese culture.”
Spring Festival in Brazil
The celebration has also gained ground in Brazil, where cities such as Recife and Foz do Iguaçu already officially recognize the festival. In Recife, for example, Chinese dragons dance to the sound of maracatu during the festivities. “This fusion of cultures is a great way to bring the two peoples together”, said José. He highlighted that the cultural exchange between Brazil and China exemplifies how countries with such different traditions can build lasting friendships.
For Daniela, this Lunar New Year has a special meaning as the first after UNESCO recognition. “I want to use my social media platforms to introduce Chinese culture, including the Spring Festival, to more Brazilians and the world,” said the actress. The growing international attention reinforces the festival’s role as a symbol of China’s rich and vibrant culture.
Source: https://www.chinahoje.net/festa-da-primavera-brasileiros-celebram-a-inclusao-do-ano-novo-chines-na-lista-da-unesco/
