Shanghai's Lantern Tradition Dazzles the La Merce Festival in Barcelona

Recently, a centuries-old folk tradition from Shanghai took the spotlight at La Merce Festival, one of the most prominent cultural events in Barcelona. The festival welcomed performers who paraded giant bamboo lanterns while displaying a captivating mix of dance, acrobatics, and physical prowess.

The feature attraction, known as the Fengxian Rolling Lantern, boasts a history that stretches back over 700 years. Esteve Carames, the cultural program director at the Barcelona Institute of Culture, expressed how this performance encapsulated the essence of Shanghai, stating, "It brings the real Shanghai. It brings the rooted culture and history of Shanghai to the most traditional festival in Barcelona." Through this spectacle, festival attendees were offered a glimpse into a side of Shanghai that is rarely visible outside its borders. "They explain to us how the people in Shanghai are and what the traditions in Shanghai are," Carames emphasized, highlighting the cultural significance of the performance.

Festivalgoers who were witnessing the tradition for the first time were quick to express their admiration. Diana, a local resident, reflected on the performers' expressions and their impressive control of the lanterns, exclaiming, "I was amazed!" She recalled a moment when one performer skillfully manipulated a large lantern using only his mouth, adding, "I was not expecting that."

Daniel, an Australian tourist planning a visit to Shanghai, characterized the performance as "absolutely amazing and spectacular," praising the vibrant costumes, choreography, music, and accompanying firework displays. "It's definitely added to my excitement about going to Shanghai. It was one of a kind," he remarked.

A Tradition Born by the Water

The roots of the Fengxian Rolling Lantern can be traced back to Shanghai's Fengxian district, near the northern banks of Hangzhou Bay. This tradition originated during ancient times when the coastal area frequently faced flood risks. Local communities would perform with rolling lanterns as part of rituals intended to protect against water-induced calamities. Over the years, this art form transformed from its ritualistic origins into a popular entertainment spectacle during various festivals and harvest celebrations.

Crafted primarily from bamboo, each lantern comprises inner and outer spherical structures, enabling it to roll and rotate while maintaining its distinct shape. The size of these lanterns often demands that crowds clear a path for the performers, leading to their nickname, "king of lanterns." The folk art beautifully marries intricate movements with considerable strength and dexterity. One of the most challenging techniques employed is known as "Spider Spinning Silk," where the performer grips a strip of cloth with their teeth, synchronizing their movements with the lantern as it spins.

In recognition of its cultural significance, the Fengxian Rolling Lantern earned a spot on China's list of intangible cultural heritage in 2008. Through vibrant performances like the one showcased at La Merce, this cherished tradition continues to bridge cultural divides and share the rich heritage of Shanghai with audiences around the world.