Madrid’s Chinese New Year: A Guide to the Celebrations in Usera (February 20-22, 2026)
The Madrid City Council, through the Department of Culture, Tourism, and Sports and the Usera Municipal Board, has unveiled an exciting program of over 30 activities to celebrate the Chinese New Year. This year, the festivities, centered in the Usera district, honor the Year of the Fire Horse, a symbol of freedom, vitality, and progress. The celebrations will take place from February 20 to 22, 2026, offering a rich tapestry of cultural experiences for residents and visitors alike.
Marta Rivera de la Cruz, Delegate of Culture, Tourism, and Sports, and Sonia Cea, Councilor for Usera, presented the program, emphasizing Madrid’s commitment to cultural diversity and integration. “The Chinese New Year celebration is already one of the most beautiful expressions of Madrid’s cultural diversity,” said Rivera de la Cruz. Cea added that “Usera once again becomes the great meeting point for neighbors and visitors during these days of celebration.”
Key Dates and Locations
The events will be spread across four iconic locations in the Usera district:
- Plaza de la Junta Municipal de Usera
- Pradolongo Park
- Plaza de Julián Marías
- Plaza de las Tizas
The full program is a collaborative effort involving the Union of Chinese Associations of Usera, various artistic groups, the Chinese Cultural Center in Madrid, the Chinese Embassy, Casa Asia, and educational centers, with sponsorship from Leapmotor.
Event Highlights
Friday, February 20: Inauguration and Cultural Performances
The celebrations will kick off on Friday, February 20, at 5:00 PM, with the inaugural ceremony at the stage set up in the esplanade of the Usera Municipal Board. A traditional lion dance will mark the beginning of the festivities, symbolizing good luck for the new year.
Following the inauguration, attendees can enjoy various cultural performances, including a special presentation at 5:30 PM by the renowned Yingge Dance Company from Canton, China. They will perform a warrior dance with over 300 years of history, recognized as Intangible Cultural Heritage of China.
Throughout the day, visitors can explore the gastronomic area and market, featuring Chinese product stands, food trucks with traditional dishes, and workshops. Don’t miss the Wall of Wishes at the Usera Municipal Board fence and a DJ Yang session in Pradolongo Park.
Saturday, February 21: Fireworks and ‘Fire Horse Party’
On Saturday, February 21, the highlight will be the spectacular fireworks display at Pradolongo Park, starting at 8:00 PM. The fireworks, specially designed for this festival, will illuminate the sky and the lake.
Before the fireworks, from 6:00 PM, the bandstand in the park will host ‘The Fire Horse Party,’ a live session with DJ Dr. Kielmannsegge, who will mix popular tunes with contemporary Asian music.
Sunday, February 22: The Grand Multicultural Parade
One of the most anticipated events, the Grand Multicultural Chinese New Year Parade, will take place on Sunday, February 22, starting at 12:00 PM. This year, the parade moves to Pradolongo Park, where approximately 1,200 participants will create a vibrant visual spectacle, transporting spectators to China.
The parade will feature an open-top bus accompanied by troupes from Chinese community associations performing traditional dances and choreographies. Participants will wear traditional costumes like qipao or attire evoking ancient dynasties, along with horse-inspired costumes for the Year of the Fire Horse.
Expect to see characters such as the Monkey King, majestic inflatable horses, acrobats, stilts walkers, martial arts experts, and the Yingge Dance Company. The iconic dragons and lions will be the undisputed protagonists, dancing to the rhythm of drums, cymbals, and gongs, warding off evil spirits and attracting good fortune.
Exhibitions for a Journey to China
Several exhibitions offer deeper insights into Chinese culture:
- ‘Habitat: Wild Fauna of China’: At the CEAC Maris Stella until February 28, showcasing Chinese wildlife and their habitats.
- ‘Two Cultures, One Love’: At the Usera Casa de Madera Cultural Center until February 28, featuring photographs highlighting similarities between Chinese and Spanish weddings.
- Chinese New Year Posters: In the exhibition hall of the Usera Municipal Board until March 5, displaying the ten Chinese New Year posters designed by illustrator Bakea since 2016.
Workshops and Other Activities
Workshops are a significant part of the program:
- Friday, February 20:
- Chinese Dragons Craft Workshop: At Plaza de las Tizas, for children to design and build their own dragons.
- ‘Cork Gallop!’: At CEAC Maris Stella, building foals from cork stoppers.
- Saturday, February 21:
- Chinese Fan Workshop: At Plaza de las Tizas, an engaging way to discover Chinese culture.
- Fire Horse and Hongbao (lucky envelope) Workshop: Also at Plaza de las Tizas.
- Chinese Archery Workshops and Exhibitions & Table Tennis Masterclasses: At Pradolongo Park throughout the morning.
- Origami, Calligraphy, Javanese Puppet, and Chinese Shadow Puppet Workshops: At CEAC Maris Stella.
Other activities include:
- ‘The Fire Horse’ Storytelling: At José Hierro Library.
- Chinese Opera Recital: At the stage in the esplanade of the Usera Municipal Board.
- Traditional Chinese Dance Show: At the Usera Casa de Madera Cultural Center.
- Special Chinese New Year Concert by the Vallecas Music Band: At CEAC Maris Stella.
- Yingge Dance Company Performance & Chinese Zodiac Face Painting: At Pradolongo Park.
Contact and Further Information
For more details and the complete program, please visit the official website:
Source: Madrid City Council
