From February 2^ndto the 3^rd(local time), the Confucius Institute of our university and HudsonWay Immersion School co-hosted two Spring Festival galas on the New York and New Jersey campuses, in which cultural events of various kinds were held for teachers, students, parents, and residents in neighboring communities.

Dr. Daniel Julius, the provost of New Jersey City University, and the director of Confucius InstituteGeorge Li, were invited to attend this event. Dr. Daniel Julius delivered a speech.

The theme of this Spring Festival event was “the Year of the Golden Pig”. Traditional Chinese elements such as couplets, lanterns and Chinese knots were used to decorate the venue. Moreover, teachers from the Confucius Institute made paper cutting and clay sculptures featuring the Chinese zodiac, fostering a festive and joyous atmosphere. The American residents were impressed by these traditional Chinese ornaments, vying to take pictures.

Chinese dance “Kai Men Hong” performed by American students opened the gala

American students performed Chinese songs and dances, Chinese Kung Fu, and read poetry, highlighting a part of their achievements in their Chinese learning.

Students on the New York campus performed the stage playJourney to the West: Three Battles with the White Bone Demonand won waves of cheers and applaud from parents.

The traditional Chinese performances such as classical dance, martial arts and lion dancing caught audiences’ attention. The puppet show, “The Year of the Golden Pig” was particularly popular among the children and parents.

After the celebration, the Confucius Institute prepared eight cultural exhibitions full of Chinese traditional culture for the American residents to experience the charm of Chinese culture. The exhibits included dumplings, paper-cutting, calligraphy, colorful mud, chopsticks, facial painting, a ringtoss with twelve Chinese zodiac signs, and pavilions for taking “family photos”. Participants said that this Spring Festival celebration enabled them to fully experience the happiness and joy of the Chinese Lunar New Year.

A group photo of Chinese and foreign teachers in the Confucius Institute, American students and residents