Starting January 25, Lunar New Year will commence and many places around the world will be awash in a sea of red and firecrackers. This year is the Year of the Rat, which is extra special as it is the start of a new zodiac cycle! But if you’re away from home and won’t have the opportunity to celebrate the festivities with family, there are a couple events around campus that will hopefully help you feel less homesick during this time of the year.
Wesbrook Village Lunar New Year Celebration
Wesbrook Village and the University Neighbourhoods Association are organizing a family-friendly Lunar New Year event at the Wesbrook Community Centre. It will feature an indoor lion dance, cultural dance performances, music, games, crafts and other various activities.
Date: Saturday, January 25
Time: 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Location: Wesbrook Community Centre
Cost: Free!
2020 Lunar New Year Celebration: Year of the Rat
The Chinese Language Program is hosting a Lunar New Year celebration at the Nest, in association with the UBC Chinese Music Club & UBC Asian Studies. It will be a Pan-Asian affair showcasing the diversity of Asian students who celebrate Lunar New Year. There will be performances, booths and activities where you can win prizes. There will also be many hands-on cultural activities such as calligraphy, mahjong and traditional Korean games.
Date: Tuesday, January 28
Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Location: AMS Student Nest
Cost: Free!
Chinese New Year with SMC
The Seri Malaysia Club is holding a Chinese New Year event with a distinct Malaysian-Chinese flair. There will be lucky draws, fashion shows, and plenty of food. You’ll be able to try the Yee Sang which is a celebratory dish that appears every Chinese New Year and is unique to the Chinese diaspora in Malaysia and Singapore. You even get to bring your own containers and cutlery to pack up any leftovers!
Date: Friday, January 31
Time: 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: IBLC 261
Cost: $3 for members, $10 for non-members