Brazil mix Carnival with Chinese New Year

Sunday, February 07, 2010
SAO PAULO: Hundreds of Brazilians and Chinese immigrants gathered in a plaza in Sao Paulo on Saturday to celebrate the lunar New Year with Samba and dragons.

Although the year of the tiger only begins on February 14, Brazil's Chinese community decided to move up their celebrations because most people travel during Carnival.

A legitimate dragon and lion dance - a symbol of good luck and prosperity - marked the festivity held in the heart of Sao Paulo's Asian downtown neighborhood of Liberdade.

Samba dancers and singers added a Brazilian touch to the traditional Chinese party that welcomes the year of the Tiger.

The Chinese embassy estimates there are 200,000 Chinese living in the country, of which 90 percent live in Sao Paulo.

Brazilian school teacher Dina Correia said the event helps people learn more about Chinese culture.

"It is was very beautiful. It's the first time I see it and I'm loving it. It's great because we learn more about Chinese culture. They're doing a great job," she said.

Heida Woo, a Chinese politician in Brazil, said the Lunar New Year celebrations were very important for the city's cultural agenda.

"In a city as big as Sao Paulo, I think celebrating the Chinese New Year contributes greatly to culture, entertainment, and arts for our city to grow even more," she said.

The lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, is China's most important holiday and celebrations last up to two weeks.

Chinese hold lavish public feasts which usually include traditional dishes such as pig, duck and sweet pastries.

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