Snake elements, traditional decorations highlight Chinatown in Peru

Young Peruvian Anna Paula Peralta Reyes recently shared a vlog recording her visit to Chinatown in Lima during the Spring Festival, to see how Chinese culture blends with her hometown.

Reyes studied at a Chinese school in Peru for 11 years before furthering her studies at Jilin University in China. During her time in China, she not only delved into Chinese culture but also forged heartwarming friendships with local residents.

Seeing Chinatown full of energy and color, Reyes can’t help but admire the rich Spring Festival culture.

“Chinese New Year is here! A moment full of color, tradition, and joy,” she said in Chinese.

In Lima’s Chinatown, shops are decked out in red, the color of luck and prosperity. Chinese lanterns of all sizes light up the hallways, and every corner is decorated to welcome the Chinese New Year in the best way.

Among the traditional objects on display are Hong Bao, or red envelopes, where money is placed as a symbol of good fortune and blessings for the new year.

In every shop, there are products related to the animal of the year, the snake. It’s the centerpiece of all celebrations and decorations.

Reyes said that at home, they follow many of the Chinese traditions, including eating noodles, upon the arrival of the Chinese New Year.

“This is how, in Lima, Peru, we experience the magic of Chinese New Year. It’s the perfect moment to feel the joy of a culture that, despite the distance, feels closer than ever. May this Year of the Snake bring us all prosperity and health,” she said.

Snake elements, traditional decorations highlight Chinatown in Peru

Snake elements, traditional decorations highlight Chinatown in Peru

Mexicans headed to the polls on Sunday to cast their votes in the country’s first-ever elections for members of the judiciary — from the federal supreme court to local courts.

A total of 881 judges and magistrates at the national and regional levels, including nine Supreme Court justices, would be selected through the unprecedented elections, according to the National Electoral Institute.

Thousands of polling stations were set up nationwide for the one-day vote, said the institute.

“I think the judicial reforms and votes are very important for Mexico, because there has never been a judge elected through public vote. I believe casting votes to select judges like this is good for the vast majority of Mexicans,” a male voter said in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV) at a polling station in Mexico City.

The results of the elections are expected to be announced in 10 days.

Sunday’s elections followed an approval from Mexico’s Congress of the Union last September for an overhaul of the judicial system, which included the introduction of direct elections for all judges by public vote, and a reduction in the number of Supreme Court justices from 11 to 9.

Mexico holds first-ever judicial elections