With the aim of strengthening Sino-Portuguese friendship and promoting intercultural dialogue, the Vila do Conde City Council will host, on February 7, 2026 (Saturday), the event celebrating the “Happy Chinese New Year Festival” 2026, inviting residents, the local community, and visitors to take part in this important cultural occasion.

The initiative is co-organized by the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Portugal and the Vila do Conde City Council, with the collaboration of the Organizing Committee of the Spring Festival of Northern Portugal and the Parish Council of Fajozes.

Date and Time

February 7, 2026 (Saturday)

• 10:00 AM – 5:20 PM | Cultural and commercial activities in public spaces

• 5:50 PM – 10:10 PM | Municipal, institutional, and theatrical cultural activities
  

Venues

• Fajozes Industrial Area and Árvore Industrial Area

• City centre (Historic Centre)

• Square and building of the Vila do Conde City Hall

• Vila do Conde Theatre

Programme

The programme includes cultural activities open to the public and institutional moments of cultural exchange, including:

• Dragon and lion dance performances, as well as themed Chinese New Year cultural activities in commercial areas and the city centre;

• A festive parade through the main streets of the urban centre, promoting multicultural interaction;

• A welcoming ceremony and institutional meetings at the City Hall;

• A Sino-Portuguese cultural performance celebrating Chinese New Year 2026 at the Vila do Conde Theatre.

  
  

Context and Significance

Spring marks the beginning of a new year. As the most important traditional festival of the Chinese nation, the Chinese New Year Festival embodies the cultural essence of Chinese civilization and represents family reunion, happiness, harmony, and peace—values that resonate with the shared aspirations of people around the world. For this reason, the Chinese New Year Festival belongs not only to China, but also to the world.

On December 22, 2023, the United Nations General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution recognizing the Chinese New Year Festival as an official United Nations holiday. On December 4, 2024, the Chinese New Year Festival was officially inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The “Happy Chinese New Year Festival” celebrations in Portugal have been successfully held for 12 consecutive years. An increasing number of Portuguese citizens have been drawn to appreciate the beauty of China, share in the friendship of the Chinese people, and celebrate the joy of the Chinese New Year. This event effectively promotes exchanges and mutual visits between the two countries, encourages cultural learning, and builds a bridge of friendship and mutual trust between the two peoples.

The year 2026 is the Year of the Horse in the Chinese lunar calendar. In traditional Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes strength, progress, and happiness. Hosting the “Happy Chinese New Year Festival” in Vila do Conde will further strengthen cooperation and friendship between the city and China, contribute to local cultural vitality, and affirm Vila do Conde as an open and welcoming city.

The Vila do Conde City Council invites all citizens and visitors to take part in these celebrations and join this important moment of cultural sharing.