With this year’s Lunar New Year falling on Feb. 1, Hill hosted a series of events to help ring in the Year of the Tiger. Celebrations began with weekend activities on Saturday, Jan. 29, which included a dumpling-making class and Chinese calligraphy workshop. Following the weekend, International Family Liaison Helen Qiu and Hill’s International Prefects worked together to run a special Lunar New Year dinner on Feb. 1. Almost 80 students gathered in the lobby of the CFTA to enjoy a lineup of authentic Chinese foods, and afterward were able to participate in a Lunar New Year-themed Kahoot. 

For international students who observe the holiday, Hill’s festivities provided a way to celebrate even when they are away from home. 

“I like that even though I can’t be at home with my family for the New Year, I still get to celebrate at Hill with my friends. I enjoyed the dinner, and the traditional food really reminded me of home,” said CiCi Fang ’24.

For students who don’t traditionally observe the Lunar New Year, Hill’s events provided a chance to learn more about the holiday and the cultures that do celebrate. 

“As someone who doesn’t celebrate Lunar New Year, the celebration was an amazing chance to experience someone else’s culture. I’m happy to have enjoyed it with my friends and I’m glad that they had the chance to celebrate this meaningful holiday even when they’re away from home,” said Dami Odubona ’23.

Festivities are to continue at Hill through Feb. 15 with a lineup of various campus events and weekend activities. Plans include traditional lion dancing on the Quad, spring roll and kimbap making classes, a trip to Chinatown, and a screening of the CCTV New Year’s Gala.