Shanghai Lantern Show Featured at Barcelona's La Merce Festival
The centuries-old Fengxian Rolling Lantern tradition from Shanghai was showcased at Barcelona's La Merce Festival. The performance blended dance, acrobatics, and feats of strength.
A traditional Shanghai folk art, the Fengxian Rolling Lantern, recently took center stage at La Merce Festival, one of Barcelona's largest cultural celebrations. Performers displayed the ancient tradition, which combines dance, acrobatics, and physical strength, by maneuvering large bamboo lanterns through the city.
With a history spanning over 700 years, the Fengxian Rolling Lantern originated in what is now Shanghai's Fengxian district. Initially performed as part of rituals to ward off water-related disasters, the practice evolved into a popular form of entertainment for festivals and harvest celebrations.
Esteve Carames, director of cultural programs at the Barcelona Institute of Culture, described the performance as an authentic representation of Shanghai's deep-rooted culture and history. He noted that the show provided valuable insight into the people and traditions of Shanghai for the festival audience.
The elaborate lanterns, constructed primarily from bamboo, feature inner and outer spherical structures allowing them to roll and rotate. The skill involved includes demanding techniques like 'Spider Spinning Silk,' where a performer uses their mouth to control the lantern's movement. The Fengxian Rolling Lantern was officially recognized as part of China's national intangible cultural heritage in 2008.