Tuesday, February the 17th, 2026
On a day as special as the first day of the first new moon in the year 丙午: bǐng wǔ: yáng fire horse (February 17, 2026) the sky above the Temple of the eternal spring had awakened, the sunlight little by little painted the curved tiles of the temple with gold as if it were pure honey.
The clock struck nine o´clock when, dressed in their ceremonial robes, the temple director, 邱荣道监员 qiū róng dào jiān yuán: Patrick Louchouarn, along with the musicians and monks, set out to find the temple abbot, 邱景威方丈 qiū jǐng wēi fāng zhàng: Hervé Louchouarn, and invite him to preside over the ceremony; this is how this story began.
The procession was like a meandering river, the chants rising, firstly in a timid way, then with confidence, carried by ancient instruments that seemed to awaken the stones of the gardens. The 高功 gāo gōng: temple’s ritual masters, with their measured steps and billowing robes, set the rhythm, and together with their disciples, they prostrated themselves in the main square under the mid-morning light that was already beginning to warm the air. The gesture signified something bigger than oneself.
Upon entering the temple, the outside world faded away. The incense burning already filled the air, its smoke tracing secret paths to the heavens. Then came the chants to the Big Dipper. Accompanied by music, each note, each syllable, helped elevate the prayers. In that instant, the temple transformed into a beating heart, its intention and sincerity touching the deepest fibers of our beings.
When the chanting ceased, the silence was brief but profound. Then, hands were raised to hoist 幡 fān: sacred banners, full of symbolism, moving with the wind as if they had a life of their own; as they waved, they seemed to whisper secrets, messages that only the heavens could decipher.
The ceremony held a moment of special intimacy: 开光 kāi guāng: opening of the light; a ceremony to consecrate and vivify the altars. 邱景威方丈 qiū jǐng wēi fāng zhàng: Hervé Louchouarn, with brushes, mirrors, and pins, touched each image; more than a gesture, it was an awakening. Suddenly, those inert figures were no longer just that; their eyes, once empty, seemed to gaze at us. That golden light of a spring morning gave each image a heartbeat, and with it, the promise of companionship and protection for those who venerate them with a sincere heart.
We finished up the ceremony by filling the sky with incense smoke, the smoke of the prayers of everyone who joined us to welcome this new year, as a new opportunity to grow in awareness, with tranquility, joy, and love. The incense sticks burned slowly, carrying our message to the celestial masters; the sacred banners waved on their staffs; the believers were in awe by the general serenity; all the gestures of this ancient culture were repeated in a magical atmosphere.
Finally, the sun was at its zenith. Nine in the morning had turned into almost noon without anyone noticing. The new moon, its eclipse over, invisible yet present, continued its course across the bright sky, awaiting its moment. The year 丙午: bǐng wǔ: yáng Fire Horse had just begun; subtly, the participants had witnessed first heartbeat. The air smelled of incense and spring; the spirit, of renewed hope.
Saturday, February the 21st — Whispers to 财神 cái shén: the master of wealth
On this day, the celebration took on a more intimate tonality. A small ceremony was offered to 财神cái shén: the master of wealth before the altar; the prayers were gentle yet firm. The golden paper ingots shone like tiny suns before being consumed by the fire. Those who were present made their petitions to heaven, asking with extraordinary faith for good fortune, abundance with virtue, and prosperity with an a wakened consciousness.
Sunday, February the 22nd — The day the temple danced
We had a windy morning at 龙山 lóng shān: the Dragon Mountain, the air fragrant with coffee, tea, and steamed buns. The Temple of Eternal Spring was a breath of joy.
At ten o’clock, the drum pierced the air. From the yellow garden emerged the blue-green dragon. It seemed to float down the hill like an ancient spirit remembering its old steps. In the central plaza, the dragon danced with the wind. Its deep eyes seemed to gaze upon everyone it encountered. It ascended towards the temple, the crowd following like a southerly river flowing in one direction. Before passing through the gate guarded by 王灵官 wáng líng guān: the official who keeps guard over the gate of the heavens, it paused, as if asking permission of the invisible threshold.
Inside, Abbot 邱景威方丈 qiū jǐng wēi fāng zhang Hervé Louchouarn welcoming the dragon who prostrated itself respectfully and received his offering; it turned around, and returned along the same path, leaving a trail of astonishment among everyone there.
A stage was already set up in the large tent. The program «They call us doctors» transformed a corner of the park into a digital and spiritual agora. Daoist doctors from all over Mexico spoke about current health topics, such as anxiety and the medications the industry offers in response to the significant increase in these ailments in today’s global society. While the adults listened to discussions about mental balance, the younger child ren enjoyed an activity with horses, getting to know them more gently, feeding them, and learning interesting facts about these energetic, loyal, and strong animals. The happy children participated with their teacher in getting to know these amazing animals.
As this ended, the drums played a second time, announcing the arrival of the Chinese lions. Everyone gathered once more in the plaza outside the temple to watch them dance, bursting forth with their vibrant energy. They leaped, winked, and blessed the ground with their footsteps. For a moment, the atmosphere was both mountain and temple, ancient China and the core of Mexico simultaneously. They entered the temple and prostrated themselves at the entrance to the main hall to receive the offering from邱荣道监院qiū róng dào jiān yuàn: Patrick Louchouarn and 邱荣真殿主qiū róng zhēn diàn zhǔ: Patricia Villanueva (ritual assistant of 高功gāo gōng).
As the sun rose high in the sky, the monks, in their ceremonial robes, began the procession to invite the abbot to preside over the grand ceremony to北斗běi dǒu: Big Dipper. The chants resonated as if the heavens themselves were descending, the wind stilled, and nature remained silent. The ceremony continued with the blessing of the attendees and some of their belongings, such as horse figurines and necklaces, to bring good fortune, tranquility, and health to their families. To conclude the ceremony with a flourish, the abbot welcomed the new disciples. As he does every year, he receives several people who wish to follow the path of Dào. This time, ten people took their first Daoistvows, recognizing 邱景威方丈 qiū jǐng wēi fāng zhangHervé Louchouarn as their guide. They received new Chinese names, offered tea to their new master, and, by burning a sacred message, sent all their information to the celestial register. In that simple gesture, a spiritual destiny was sealed. People in awe approached the hall to witness this symbolic moment. At the same time, 邱荣道监院qiū róng dào jiān yuàn: Patrick Louchouarn, the temple’s spiritual guide, distributed the bags of abundance to each attendee, prepared days before, so that blessings would reach every family.
A lecture on companion animals was given by a Daoist veterinarian with many years of experience. She explained how she has applied Daoistphilosophy to her care of these animals and helped owners understand the life processes they experience together. Afterward, the banquet began, delighting us with Chinese food; some with a touch of spice to stimulate the body, either vegetarian or with chicken concluding with delicious cake. The Daoist tales enriched the cultural understanding of Chinese tradition and reminded the audience that this form of teaching exists within Mexican tradition. The diverse themes of health, laws of nature, emotions, and fables filled the entire audience with joy and knowledge.
We continued our grand celebration with a parade and presentation of 汉服hàn fú, traditional clothing from the 汉hàndynasty. It was a moment full of culture, color, and tradition. It was like a textile poem. Silks, embroidery, and colors that told stories of ancient dynasties. Women, men, and children walked as if carrying within them the memory of Chinese civilization. Each fold concealed symbols: longevity, virtue, harmony. The past walked among us.
Moments later, the 練功 liàn gōng group from the Daoist Institute for Health gave a beautiful presentation of 金刚功 jīn gāng gōng: Diamond Exercises for Longevity, full of synchronization, harmony, and intention, reminding us of the principles of Daoist philosophy.
To conclude our festival’s schedule, Master and Abbot 邱景威方丈 qiū jǐng wēi fāng zhang: Hervé Louchouarn gave a very engaging talk, full of joy and humor, explaining the predictions for this 阳yáng fire horse year, and offering advice on preventing and treating illnesses such as anxiety, stress, and an epidemic like measles. He recommended an important tool that will be fundamental for this turbulent year: breath work. He then led a meditation, seeking to provide those present with a moment of tranquility. He closed by answering a few questions and wishing many blessings upon everyone. The 丙午 bǐng wǔ yáng fire horse year has just begun. Its first heartbeat has already been heard, and the Temple of Eternal Spring continues to blossom.
