The mayor of Manzanares, Julián Nieva, hosted a significant meeting on Saturday with a large delegation from various Spanish-Chinese associations at the town hall. This event was part of the initiative 'Love and know the thousands of towns and cities of Spain', aimed at fostering cultural ties between the two communities.
The reception began with a minute of silence in memory of the victims of a tragic train accident in Urda, Toledo, coinciding with three days of official mourning declared by the Spanish government.
During his welcoming address, the tourism councillor, Jesús Romero, emphasised that the visit from the Chinese delegation represented “a wonderful opportunity to bring cultures closer, strengthen relationships, and bridge distances between our peoples.”
Mayor Nieva reflected on his trip to China in 2025, which he described as “the best political experience of his life,” and highlighted the integration of the Chinese community in Manzanares. He underscored the importance of establishing international collaborations, stating that China is a “key player for the planet.”
Pedro Wang, president of the Spanish-Chinese Association for Exchanges and Developments, expressed gratitude for the “hospitality received in Manzanares.” He explained that this visit is part of the initiative 'Love and know the thousands of towns and cities of Spain', which aims to showcase Spain's historical, cultural, and gastronomic wealth to the Chinese community residing in the country and to visitors from China.
After exchanging gifts, the delegation, led by representatives from the General Association of Compatriots of Guangdong (Hong Kong and Macao) in Spain, the World Youth Association of Jiangmen in Spain, and the Qipao Chinese Culture Association in Spain, also visited the facilities of the Nuestro Padre Jesús del Perdón-Bodegas Yuntero Cooperative and took a guided tour of the city's main heritage resources, in collaboration with the tourism and museums departments of Manzanares.
