Despite its futuristic look, the city of Shanghai is not incompatible with the festivals and ancient rituals that underpin the culture of China. Here are detailed (following its disposal in the Gregorian calendar) some of the most representative and other festivals of interest:
Chinese New Year or Spring Festival (Chunjie)
This festival takes place at the beginning of the first lunar month (zheng yue) in a festival that ranges between 21 January and 21 February. The celebrations will continue for two weeks, during which most people return to their hometowns to spend a few days of family vacations. Passed the same, day 15 of the first lunar month is hosting the Feast of Lanterns (Dengjie). Linked to a legend of the Han period (206 BC-221 AD), its climax is the lighting of lanterns decorated with puzzles to be solved. Who scored the riddle are rewarded with a small gift.
Longhua Temple Festival
This festival, the celebration depends on the lunar calendar (even occur on or about 15 March) is the largest of those are carried out in eastern China. Its origins date back over three centuries, and used to worship the Buddha Maitreya. Among the events taking place, highlighting various manifestations of popular folklore, dance and traditional Chinese food samples.
Festival of Peach Blossoms
Since 1991, the Nanhui district houses many samples of Chinese popular culture, especially dancing. Held annually between the months of March and April.
International Festival of Tea Culture in Shanghai
Every April many tea lovers and experts gather in the town for this event, aimed at promoting the drink as a defining feature of the national culture of the country. Its origins date from the late nineteenth century, at which Shanghai attended the opening of Songyuan Teahouse in Zhabei District. The program of recreational activities including tea ceremonies and tea tasting is appreciated.
Day of the Dead and Brilliant Clarity Party (Qingmingjie)
Each year, between 4 and 6 April, the population is close to the graves of their ancestors to make offerings, burn incieso and carry out a series of rituals as a sign of respect for the deceased.
International Labour Day
It is celebrated on May 1, and the West.
Boats Fiesta of Double Dragon or Five (Duanwujie)
The events related to this event take place on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month (usually during the first days of May). Hence the curious name. Closely linked to fertility rites, the festival hosts racing canoes decorated with images of dragons (long shou) and propelled by teams of rowers that bring together eight to 20 people. Through this tradition, the city remembers the death of poet Qu Yuan (340 BC-278 BC), who drowned.
International Film Festival Shanghai (SIFF)
Despite his youth (in 2010 reached 13. Nd edition) this event has carved a niche among the most prestigious film samples worldwide. The city is organized annually during the second half of June, attracting actors and directors from around the world.
Anniversary of Chinese Communist Party
Each July 1, the host city streets propagandíscos parades and events that recall the creation of the Communist Party (training that already totals more than six decades at the helm of the Asian giant.)
Valentine’s Day (Qixijie)
Habitual between 25 July and 18 August, the astronomical phenomenon in the West is known as the Perseids (or falling stars), is closely related to the passage of the mythology that inspires Qixijie China. This refers to the meeting of two lovers, the cowherd and the weaver Niulang Zhinü-symbolized by two stars for the rest of the year are separated by the Milky Way. Although years ago the festival had numerous rituals associated, has now given way to a sort of Valentine’s Day, in which couples exchange gifts or invitations for lunch or dinner.
Feast of the Spirits (Guijie)
This festival, which takes place on 15 of the seventh lunar month, commemorates the arrival of the god of the earth, and who aims to help the wandering spirits to successfully continue the cycle of reincarnation. For this reason, the faithful come to the temples of Shanghai to deposit offerings that help to soothe and appease the souls in purgatory. Therefore, unlike Qingmingjie not about honoring the memory of deceased relatives, but to appease the suffering of all penitent spirits.
Mid-Autumn Festival or the Full Moon (Zhongqiujie)
This tradition coincides with the day 15 of the eighth lunar month, and serves to commemorate the autumn equinox. Throughout the night, the city takes to the streets to express their good wishes, admire the moon and enjoy with your family, neighbors and friends the tradicioneales yue bing (or ‘moon cakes’).
Shanghai Tourism Festival
With more than two decades behind them, these celebrations include fireworks and colorful parades backed by more than two dozen floats. Usually takes place during the second half of September.
Anniversary of the Republic
On 1 October, the streets of Shanghai are numerous demonstrations accommodate military and patriotic ceremonies that commemorate the founding of the People’s Republic of China.
International Art Fair in Shanghai
The second half of October hosts the celebration of this festival, whose main objective cultural exchange between countries and regions around the world. So, different parts of the city which give scope for drama, dance and folklore from around the world.
New Year’s Eve (Chuxi)
Held the day before the start of the first lunar month (zheng yue), ie Chinese New Year. Coinciding with this date, it is usual give to the kids with red envelopes (hong bao) containing a small amount of money, thus making them participants the best wishes for the new state. From a gastronomic point of view, the most traditional dish of this date are meat and vegetable dumplings or jiaozi, whose production involves the whole family.
