The first show of the ‘Festival of Lanterns’, born from the alliance between Ximenez and Lantern, will premiere on November 29th in Málaga
Ximenez Group, through its subsidiary Ximenez Entertainment, has formed an alliance with Lantern Group, a company specializing in organizing lantern festivals in China, which operates internationally. This strategic collaboration will transform the landscape of such events globally, opening new opportunities for innovation in Spain and Portugal, and marking a significant milestone in Ximenez Group’s expansion into the Chinese market. The signing of this alliance took place during Ximenez Group’s visit to China as part of meetings with business groups organized by the Andalusian Government in the Asian country.
The partnership between the two companies combines Ximenez Group’s expertise in innovative artistic and decorative lighting with Lantern Group’s tradition and experience in creating lantern festivals. Together, these two giants of the entertainment industry will offer unique and spectacular experiences in international markets.
Mariano Ximénez, CEO of Ximenez Group, expressed his satisfaction with the agreement, which represents a new milestone for the Andalusian company: “This partnership not only allows us to have a presence in the Chinese market alongside a top-tier partner but also provides us with the opportunity to innovate and offer new lighting experiences, especially in Spain and Portugal. The synergy between our lighting expertise and Lantern Group’s experience in lantern festivals is a powerful combination that will undoubtedly set a new standard in the entertainment industry”.
For his part, Dechun Huang, president of Lantern Group, stated that “this collaboration with Ximenez Group represents an exceptional opportunity for our company, as it opens the doors to the Spanish market and fosters the creation and strengthening of solid ties with Spain”. This strategic alliance “will enable both groups to better understand the expectations and cultural specificities of our respective markets, innovate further, and enhance the competitiveness of our offerings. Additionally, this cooperation will strengthen our positions as leaders in this sector, consolidating our international presence and paving the way for new growth and development prospects”, Huang concluded.
Ximenez Group’s business visit to China
Ximenez Group was one of the Andalusian companies that accompanied the President of the Andalusian Government, Juan Manuel Moreno, during his program of institutional visits with top-tier Chinese business groups to promote and strengthen industrial and tourism relations with the Asian country.
Thus, Moreno was present during the presentation of the alliance between Ximenez Group and Lantern Group, highlighting that this agreement “is a success story” and “an example of understanding between Chinese and Andalusian companies.” “The agreement between Lantern Group and Ximenez Group showcases the internationalization and technological capabilities of Andalusian companies that are at the forefront of the world”. The President of the Andalusian Government congratulated both groups on a “unique agreement that, moreover, we will enjoy in Andalusia and that makes available to all Andalusians a millennial tradition through which we will not only witness the importance and value of Chinese culture but will also serve as a bond between two peoples who respect, admire, and appreciate each other, such as the Chinese and Andalusian people”.
The Andalusian delegation present at the event also included the Minister of Economy, Finance, and European Funds, Carolina España; the Minister of Tourism and Foreign Action, Arturo Bernal; the Minister of Industry, Energy, and Mines, Jorge Paradela; and the Secretary of Foreign Action, Enric Milló.
First show in Málaga
As a result of this agreement, the ‘Festival of Lanterns’ is born, a cultural and artistic event that will be an impressive display of lights and colors, marking the beginning of a new era in the celebration of such events. This unique show, inspired by the traditional Chinese Lantern Festival—the most popular light event in the Asian country that marks the end of the New Year celebrations, also known as the ‘Spring Festival’—will premiere in Málaga on November 29th.
The Festival, which will coincide with the celebration of the Chinese Year of the Snake in 2025, is presented as a “magical” celebration that will attract visitors from all over the world. The event will also include a series of traditional Chinese activities, such as a grand Chinese New Year parade, a wish wall, lantern-making workshops, calligraphy and banner workshops, and traditional theater, music, and dance performances.
Ximenez Entertainment and Lantern Group
Ximenez Entertainment is the subsidiary brand of Ximenez Group for the production, development, and management of high-impact light and sound shows, aimed at creating immersive and memorable experiences in new markets, both nationally and internationally. With this brand, Ximenez seeks to establish strategic alliances and explore opportunities with high development potential in the entertainment and cultural events sector, integrating lighting and sound.
The Chinese company Lantern Group stands out globally in four main sectors: cultural promotion, the nighttime economy, thematic exhibitions, and landscape lighting. It also offers customized solutions tailored to various needs. With over 80% market share internationally, the company is the world’s leading provider of lantern exhibitions, recognized as a true cultural icon of China.
