新年快乐 (Xīnnián kuàilè) or Happy Chinese New Year!
February 10 marked the beginning of the Year of the Dragon for the Chinese New Year, and guests at Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta and Vidanta Riviera Maya welcomed it with much fanfare!
Time-Honored Traditions
This year, we commemorated the Chinese Spring Festival at Salum, Gong, and Robayaki with a splendid celebration. To the majestic rhythm of the Dàtánggǔ, or Great Hall Drum, and the delicate gong bells, lions and dragons delighted spectators with their traditional dances surrounded by hanging red paper lanterns—symbols of wealth, fame, and prosperity.
In ancient China, drums were considered powerful magic weapons initially used in battles. The superb sound they produced could be heard from far away, making them crucial for boosting the morale of an army. Later, they became a popular instrument used mainly in temples during ceremonies and palaces during royal banquets.
Chinese culture regards the dragon as a symbol of good fortune and prosperity. Considered a rain divinity, they include it in their Lunar New Year celebrations because the success of agriculture depends on its benevolence. Dancers maneuver the dragon with poles and emulate its movements with precisely synchronized steps to reflect this mythical creature’s great power and dignity.
The lion, in turn, is a protective figure in Chinese culture. The lions’ purpose at the annual festival is to scare away demons and evil spirits to start a better year. Two dancers mimic a lion’s movements based on the fundamentals of Chinese martial arts, and the performers are usually highly skilled in wushu and kung fu.
At Vidanta, seven people handled an enormous dragon, parading it and surprising guests with its menacing face, while two lions entertained diners with their dance.
A Feast for Good Luck
In China and other Asian countries, large multigenerational families gather during the 16-day New Year’s festival to enjoy meals and quality time together. Food is a significant part of their culture as it is associated with good fortune.
Gong offered a delicious specialty menu during a week-long fest before the New Year celebration. In Vidanta Nuevo Vallarta, this high-end Asian cuisine restaurant showcased delicacies such as Siew Mei and Shuîjiâo dumplings, Peking duck, and Kung Pao. At the same time, Vidanta Riviera Maya featured traditional dishes like Char Siu Pork and Sesame Chicken.
Our talented mixologists at Robayaki also crafted unique signature drinks to mark the occasion:
Jade Dragon:
The green dragon represents the East, the flourishing spring, and good luck.
Ingredients: Hendricks gin, sake, mint liqueur, lime juice, banana syrup, and sparkling
Garnish: dehydrated lime slice and a fortune cookie
Black Dragon Tonic:
The black dragon represents the North, can control floods, and can be a source of evil.
Ingredients: Corajito coffee liqueur, Las Californias citrus gin, sparkling water, and activated charcoal.
Garnish: dehydrated lime and orange slices
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We love incorporating celebrations from around the world into your vacations in paradise, so your stay is always filled with exciting and unforgettable adventures. If you were present during the Chinese New Year at Vidanta, don’t hesitate to share your experience with us. We look forward to hearing from you!
