Chinese lanterns to brighten your weekend

Out and about with
Dra Lourdes Quijada
Like Christmas on the Christian calendar, Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations, are not just a one day event.

Fifteen days after the initial celebration, to end two weeks of celebration and ensure a prosperous new year (this year The Year of the Rabbit) comes the  Lantern Festival. 

It’s the time when by the light of the full moon, celebrants gather to write their best wishes on lanterns and then let them fly tinto the sky. Children also parade with their decorated and families gather to share a little 'Yuan Xiao' (glutinous rice balls, which can be sweet, salty, plain or stuffed).

The sharing celebrates  friendship and fraternity. According to Chinese tradition, people gather together with their lanterns to let others share in the appreciation  and read the inscribed  messages and try to find answers to the mysteries of life.
For the second consecutive year, Panama’s Chinese community will be holding a Lantern Festival (Saturday February 19) to share the colorful and meaningful tradition,with all residents.
You are welcome to witness the lighting of lamps, sample Chinese delicacies and witness plays,dances, songs and other activities.
For details of timing and location go to “What’s On”