Chinese community celebrates new year

LA PRENSA/Jorge Fernández

Chinos panameños celebran año nuevo en calles de Panamá. Este nuevo año es dedicado en esta ocasión a la serpiente.

11/02/2013 - With fireworks and music, the Asian community of Panama, the largest in Central America estimated at 200,000 people, celebrated Chinese New Year on Monday.

Celebrations were held in the old district of Santa Ana, adjacent to El Chorrillo, and San Felipe.

As part of the tradition, the revelers placed red envelopes with money wrapped in lettuce - which symbolizes prosperity and food - in the mouth of two lions to increase their earnings during the year.

"I hope to multiply per thousand what I have given to the lion," said Rey Chu, a salesman. "The more you give, the more you will receive in the new year."

Henry Lam, 38, said he hopes the new year will bring prosperity and peace.