Spain's 2026 Happy Spring Festival Celebrates Cultural Harmony

Colorful floral patterns symbolizing unity and joy.

On February 8, 2026, Spain will host a series of events under the banner of the "Happy Spring Festival" at the National Auditorium in Madrid. This celebration will feature a concert and a special reception titled "Chinese Flavors," marking a festive occasion that merges Chinese New Year traditions with Spanish culture.

Prominent figures will attend the event, including Spain's Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Labor and Social Economy, Yolanda Díaz; the Third Vice President of the Spanish Congress, Ana Pastor; and Gao Zheng, the Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism of China. Their participation is indicative of the event's importance and the strong cultural ties between the two nations.

At the event, attendees will gather to illuminate the "Auspicious Horse" lantern and enjoy a feast of both Chinese and Spanish culinary delights. The festivities will also include the exploration of intangible cultural heritage through activities like tea art and flower arrangement, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of each other's cultures.

A highlight of the evening will be a collaborative concert featuring the Shanghai Ethnic Orchestra and the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe alongside the Madrid Philharmonic Orchestra. They will perform classic pieces such as "Spring Festival Overture," "Peony Pavilion: Dream of Surprise," "Landscape," "Surfing," and "The Wedding of Luis Alonso," showcasing a harmonious blend of Chinese and Western musical traditions.

In conjunction with these activities, the exhibition "Ancient China in Creative Culture" will open at the Chinese Cultural Center in Madrid. This exhibition will display 21 replicas of cultural relics along with 565 creative cultural products from 19 different cultural institutions, including the National Museum of China. A special section, "Celestial Horse Treading Spring," will focus on Chinese New Year customs and zodiac culture, allowing visitors to delve into the rich heritage and cultural practices of China. This exhibition will be open until March 15.

The 2026 "Happy Spring Festival" series of events is poised to exemplify the vibrant cultural exchange and learning between China and Spain, further elevating the recognition of Spain's festive celebrations. This initiative illustrates the importance of intercultural dialogue and the appreciation of diversity in an increasingly interconnected world.