CRI听力:Buenos Aires Celebrates Chinese Lunar New Year

Live, traditional Chinese music and performances were held throughout the day, where dancing dragons paraded through the crowd and Kung Fu masters performed for the audience.

German Bermudez is the director of the Lion Dance.

"What we do with these dances is we send out good omens, we eliminate bad vibes, bad spirits, we give out good luck, so that whatever you start goes well, whether it be the start of something, like the new year, or a marriage, whatever it may be, that it starts again like new."

The World-famous Dragon Dance and the long procession of Chinese dragons are also popular among the audience members.

Argentine Vice President Gabriela Michetti went face-to-face with one of the beasts and wished everyone a happy New Year.

"Joy to all, especially the Chinese in Argentina and in Buenos Aires because it is a great joy for us to have you here and always with us. Happy New Year to you all."

Many Chinese people migrated to Buenos Aires shortly after World War II. It is estimated the number of Chinese-Argentines in the country at more than 120-thousand, with most of them coming from China's Fujian province.

The first generation of Chinese migrants faced cultural and linguistic barriers when assimilating to a new life in Argentina. But many of the next generation of Chinese-Argentines say they feel well-integrated within the larger society.

Monica Chao is a young Chinese-Argentine.

"Argentina is great. We're friends with Argentina. Only love for Argentina, and good luck for everyone."

The annual New Year Celebration started in 2005. Last year, 450 thousand people attended the party.

China now is Argentina's largest agricultural product importer and the third investment source, creating more than 40-thousand jobs in the country.

For CRI, this Fu Yu.