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Buenos Aires’ Chinatown is gearing up for a low-key celebration of the Year of the metal Ox.
Officially, Chinese New Year is celebrated on the second new moon after the winter solstice. The ringing in of the new year 4719 falls on February 12 this year and will be only be celebrated in online events.
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No Outdoor Celebrations in 2021
Normally outdoor events include the yearly dragon dance through the streets, advanced martial arts demonstrations, a Korean percussion performance, acrobatics and the obligatory tango demonstrations made up of Argentine and Asian-Argentine dancers.
This year there will be no public celebration or stands offering a wide variety of budget-friendly and delicious Asian street food, calligraphy demonstrations and exotic plants for sale. No live Tai Chi classes given by Master Liu Ming, Pope Francis‘ former Chinese doctor.
Instead, this year Chinese New Year will be celebrated online with a tea ceremony and storytelling event featuring four generations of women who will share the customs and rites that are passed down from generation to generation
The event can be viewed on the Buenos Aires city government’s youtube page linked below.
Chinese New Year Celebration through the Years
The number of attendees to Buenos Aires’ Chinese New Year celebrations has grown exponentially the last decade beginning with the 2011 festival — the year Buenos Aires decided Chinese culture was cool and a record 60,000 visitors overwhelmed organizers.
According to the Buenos Aires Human Rights and Cultural Department, there are 200,000 Chinese citizens in Argentina, mostly from the Fujian province. Chinese citizens make up the fourth largest immigrant group in Argentina and have become part of the cultural fabric of the country.
“A lot more Argentines are studying Chinese now to operate in the business world,” says Maria Antonía Diaz, secretary at the Chinese-Argentine Cultural Association, one of the groups organizing of the event. “Others are drawn to this area because of the variety of businesses and an interest in the rich culture of China.”
To accommodate the growing crowds at Chinese New Year Celebrations, the principle stage for the final act is no longer in central Chinatown, or the nearby Plaza Barrancas de Belgrano, where it was originally relocated.
After also outgrowing that location, ending celebrations now take place some blocks away at Plaza Parques Nacionales (Av. Figueroa Alcorta and Sucre).
Year of the Metal OX
This year marks 4719 on the Chinese calendar, the year of the metal Ox.
The lunar new year begins on February 12, 2021.
Chinese diviners predict this yin year will be successful financially for those who put in considerable effort.
While it will a year where people feel weighted down by the grind of life, those who push through inertia will find success.
It is a good year for love, marriage and nesting. Home will be a center peice and it’s suggested to practice Feng Shui, to lighten and brighten up home spaces. Getting family affairs more organized will result in peace and cohesion in the hearth.
Chinese traditions says a Metal Ox year is a good time to consolidate expenses, create a more solid foundation and save up for unforeseen events in the future.
4719 is predicted to be a year without huge natural catastrophes.
The Year of the OX is especially lucky for the Chinese zodiac signs of Dragon, Rabbit, Tigers and Ox.
Chinese New Year’s Celebrations Buenos Aires: 2021
When:
• February 12 2021
Buenos Aires City Government Youtube Channel
Those who miss the live events of Chinese New Year in 2021 can still take a visit to Barrio Chino to dine in one of the many fine Asian restaurants or go shopping in Barrio Chino for Asian goods and specialty foods.
• Belgrano
