Chinese New Year in Madrid: Full Program, Activities, and Public Transport Guide

Madrid is embracing the Chinese New Year with an extensive cultural program dedicated to the Year of the Fire Horse. This significant celebration, starting on February 17, 2026, will extend its festivities until March 3, 2026, primarily in the Usera district, home to a large Chinese community in Madrid.

What is the Chinese New Year?

The Chinese New Year is the most important annual festival in the Chinese calendar. It marks the beginning of a new year and is a time for renewing traditional ideals. Madrid, with over 60,000 Chinese nationals, particularly in Usera, is a key location for these global celebrations.

Key Events and Activities

The program, a collaboration between the City Council, the Chinese Embassy, local associations, and artistic groups, offers a diverse range of activities for all ages. Here’s a breakdown:

The Grand Chinese New Year Parade

• When: Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 2:30 PM.
• Where: Pradolongo Park, Usera district.
• What: A 1,400-meter parade featuring children and adults in traditional Chinese costumes, culminating in a performance by the Wudao Higher School of Madrid and the Yingge Youth Company of Canton, showcasing the traditional Yingge folk dance.
• Pre-parade performance: The Yingge Youth Company will also perform on Saturday, February 21, at 12:00 PM, by the lake in Pradolongo Park.

Other Cultural Highlights

Over 30 activities are planned, covering dance, cinema, gastronomy, music, sports, literature, and talks, all designed to introduce Madrid residents to Chinese culture. These events will take place across four key locations in the Usera district:

• Plaza de la Junta Municipal del Distrito de Usera
• Pradolongo Park
• Plaza de Julián Marías
• Plaza de las Tizas

Special Events:

• Fireworks Display: Friday, February 21, at 8:00 PM in Pradolongo Park, visible from all corners of the park. DJ Kielmannsegge will provide entertainment from 6:00 PM.
• Chinese Cinema: Original version screenings.
• Storytelling: At the José Hierro Library.
• Exhibitions:
  • ‘Habitat. Wild Fauna of China’ (February 7 – March 1)
  • ‘Two Cultures, One Love’ (February 17 – March 1)
  • Bakea Poster Exhibition (February 17 – March 5)
• Workshops: Handicrafts (Chinese Dragons on February 20), calligraphy (February 28).
• Gastronomic Zone: ‘Flavors of China’ with food trucks (February 20-22).
• Market: Year of the Horse Market (February 20-22).
• Sports and Games: Ping-pong, fans, archery, and Chinese shadows (February 21).
• Concerts: Special performance by the Vallecas Music Band (February 21), Chinese Opera Recital (February 21).
• Popular Race: Closing the festivities on March 1.

How to Get There: Public Transport Recommendations

Given potential traffic restrictions and limited parking in Usera, especially during peak event times, public transport is highly recommended.

Metro:

The closest metro stations are:

• Usera: Line 6 (most accessible for people with reduced mobility).
• Plaza Elíptica: Lines 6 and 11.
• Almendrales and Hospital 12 de Octubre: Line 3.

Bus (EMT):

Numerous bus lines serve the Usera district. Recommended lines include:

• 6, 18, 22, 23, 59, 60, 76, 78, 79, 81, 85, 86, 116, 121, 123, 131, N12, N13, N14, N15.

Intercity Buses:

• Andalucía Avenue stops: 411, 421A, 412B, 415A, 415B, 421, 422, 423, 426, 447.
• Plaza Elíptica Interchange stops: 426, 441, 442, 443, 444, 446, 447, 448, 460, 461, 463, 464, 469, 480, 541, 545, 546, 547, 548, VAC023.

Public transport services will maintain their usual schedules, with possible reinforcements if there’s an unexpected increase in demand. For real-time updates on metro and EMT bus schedules, consult the official Moovit page.

For a complete program of activities, please refer to the official Madrid Cultura website.

Source: abc.es