Lucky red envelopes, popular games like mahjong, and dumpling making are all on offer at Dal in the days ahead as celebrations get underway.
The International Centre will serve as a home away from home this year for students and others from the Dal community wishing to usher in the together.
鈥淥ur events are not only for international students, but for anyone with connections to global cultures, whether through family, study abroad experiences, or simply a passion for learning about other cultures,鈥� says Erika Sommerville, program coordinator with the International Centre.
Sommerville says Dal is bringing back many of the same popular events from last year, including her favourite: dumpling making.
鈥淲e had students who knew how to wrap the dumplings show others how to do it, and the International Centre kitchen felt so much like home,鈥� she recalls of last year鈥檚 event. 鈥淭he dumplings were delicious, too.鈥�
Find a full list of events in Halifax and Truro further down in this article
Dal鈥檚 celebrations this year are taking place ahead of the official launch of the Lunar New Year globally, which happens next Wednesday (Jan. 29). More than 1.5 billion people around the world celebrate Lunar New Year each year for a period of about 15 days in countries ranging from China (where it鈥檚 the biggest holiday of the year) to Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, among others.
The International Centre has worked closely with other campus groups 鈥� including the and 鈥� to ensure the events reflect the needs and interests of the 麻豆传媒 community.
(Pexels photo)
Whether you're familiar with the traditions of Lunar New Year or it's something new to you, there鈥檚 an opportunity for everyone to take part in these cultural celebrations, says Sommerville.
鈥淲e have an inclusive space at the International Centre, so everyone is welcome to attend these events, not just people who celebrate Lunar New Year.鈥�
What鈥檚 coming up
Retrieve your red envelope
Lunar New Year celebrations kick off with the Red Envelope Giveaway, running from January 24 to 29. During office hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), students can stop by the International Centre to answer a Lunar New Year-related question and pick up a red envelope.
Make your own dumplings
Hungry for dumplings? This year鈥檚 dumpling making workshop runs today (Friday, Jan. 24) from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Space is limited for this hands-on event, so be sure to register early.
Hear your fortune
If you鈥檙e curious about what the Year of the Snake has in store for you, visit the International Centre for Fortune Telling on January 24, January 27, and January 28.
Share a movie with others
For those looking for a more relaxed activity, the Movie Afternoon on January 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. will feature a screening of Kung Fu Panda at Sheriff Dining Hall, complete with snacks.
Get your game on
Join in on some fun with Mahjong Night on January 28 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. This popular Chinese game offers a casual setting for students to learn, play, and socialize. Beginners are welcome to arrive at 5 p.m. for a tutorial before the game begins. (If you want to brush up ahead of time, ).
Students play a game a mahjong last year.
Festive dinner on Truro Campus
Join a buffet-style dinner at Jenkins Hall on Dal's Truro Campus featuring your favourite flavours. Wednesday, January 29 from 4:30-7:30 p.m. Cost is $15.75 at the door.
For full event details and to register, visit the . Many events have limited space, so be sure to sign up early to reserve your spot.