Celebrate the Lunar New Year with Laurier International

The Lunar New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is a traditional festival celebrated at the turn of the lunar calendar. More than 1.5 billion people around the world, including many residents of East Asian countries such as China, Korea and Vietnam, will ring in the Lunar New Year, which falls on Jan. 25 in 2020, by hosting celebrations, decorating their houses and enjoying family meals together.

Laurier is hosting several events on Jan. 21 and 23 at the Waterloo and Brantford campuses. All events are free for students to attend.

“Our events are an effort to create a home away from home for international students who can’t spend the special occasion with their family and friends,” says Ben Yang, director, global engagement at Laurier International. “It is also an excellent opportunity for students and community members to learn a tradition and culture that is different from their own.”

To celebrate the diversity in the Laurier community and facilitate intercultural learning, Laurier International supports a range of cultural celebrations such as Diwali, Ramadan and Lunar New Year.

Brantford Campus Events

Asian Tea Ceremony

Celebrate the Lunar New Year and the Year of the Rat with a traditional Asian tea ceremony and desserts hosted by Laurier International's Global Engagement student ambassadors and international student leaders.

• Date and time: Jan. 21, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.
• Location: Laurier International office, One Market, Room OM 310-1

Visual Art of East Asia display

The History Students’ Association presents the Visual Art of East Asia poster display. Learn more about East Asian history and culture through a display of informational posters focusing on East Asian art and create your own artwork. Refreshments will be provided.

• Date and time: Jan. 23, 1:30 to 5:30 p.m.
• Location: Research and Academic Centre - West, Room RCW 324

Lunar New Year Dinner

Join Laurier International for an evening of celebration to welcome the Year of the Rat. Enjoy a variety of demonstrations and activities including a lion dance presentation, taekwondo demonstration, Chinese lantern decorating, Chinese paper cutting, Beijing opera, Mandarin lessons and a dinner.

The event is free, but tickets are required.

• Date and time: Jan. 23, 5:30 to 9 p.m.
• Location: Wilkes Hall, rear entrance
• Tickets: Free, available from Laurier International, One Market, Room OM 310

Waterloo Campus Events

Drop-in Lunch for International Students

In Waterloo, international students are invited to a drop-in lunch prepared by Food Services on Jan. 23 to celebrate the Lunar New Year. The event is free for international students.

• Date and time: Jan. 23, noon to 2 p.m.
• Location: Laurier International, Arts Building, Room 2A01

For more information about Laurier International, visit Global Engagement and Exchanges.