The capital of La Plana has become a benchmark for interaction and mutual respect between communities thanks to the celebration of one of the oldest traditions of Chinese culture. The event, declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, was a resounding success in terms of participation at the port area and the Moll de Costa surroundings.
The Councilor for Social Coexistence and Interculturality, Vicent Sales, expressed his satisfaction with a day that "has shown, once again, that the soul of our city is enriched by dialogue and mutual knowledge with the different cultures that coexist in Castellón".
Sales particularly thanked the effort and generosity of the Chinese Cultural Association of Castellón, led by its president Boyong Dong and secretary Vicky Xincai Lin Zhou. "Their commitment to Castellón through the collaboration agreement we maintain is the true engine of this festival. They are a constant example of good neighborliness and involvement with our society," he stressed.
The day featured an intense program starting at 3:00 PM, with the "spectacularity of the dragon boat races, where the rowers advanced to the rhythm of the drum" as the highlight. The councilor emphasized the unity on a single boat, where members of the Chinese community competed alongside the Association of Venezuelans of Castellón (ASOVECAS), the Argentine Association ‘El Ceibo’, the Association of Colombians Hispanoamérica Unida, the Association Viva Cuba, the Peruvian Association of Vila-real, and the Federation of Venezuelan Associations of Spain.
"This is not just multiculturalism; this is the living image of the interculturality we always talk about, where different cultures share the same course," stated Sales, extending his thanks to teams such as CEU Cardenal Herrera, Colegio Lledó, and the Real Club Náutico de Castellón, as well as the Port of Castellón and its sponsors.
In addition to the sporting aspect, the afternoon included 12 cultural stands, musical performances, and gastronomic offerings. Attendees also had the opportunity to experience navigating these unique boats decorated with dragon heads and tails.
"We close this fifth edition with the certainty that making these traditions visible gives each reality the place it deserves in our public space. Events like this make Castellón a more vibrant, more united, and stronger city based on coexistence," concluded Vicent Sales.
