Charles Darwin University’s Confucius Institute marks Year of the Snake at city campus

Charles Darwin University’s Confucius Institute is ushering in the Chinese Lunar New Year with an all day event at its city campus. Free read.

The Confucius Institute at Charles Darwin University.

Charles Darwin University’s Confucius Institute is ushering in the Chinese Lunar New Year with an all day event at its city campus on Sunday February 9.

The event, at the Danala Education and Community Precinct city campus from 10.30am to 4pm, celebrates the Year of the Snake.

It will include workshops and activities including Tai Chi, an ancient Chinese martial art; Chinese calligraphy, the form of writing Chinese characters as an art form; and mahjong, a tile-based game developed in 19th century China.

A Lion dancer performs alongside the God of Fortune for Chinese New Year hosted by the Chung Wah Society of Darwin at the Marrara Netball Stadium. Picture: Che Chorley

Traditional foods such as Xinjiang kebabs and dumplings will also be available for purchase.

The Confucius Institute is an education organisation promoting Chinese language and culture. CDU Director of Confucius Institute Amy Yu-Vatskalis said it was an important celebration.

A Lion dancer performs for Chinese New Year hosted by the Chung Wah Society of Darwin at the Marrara Netball Stadium. Picture: Che Chorley

“Chinese Lunar New Year is a major festival for Chinese people and this event goes a long way to promote the work the Confucius Institute does in the Darwin community,” she said.

“This event is not just a chance for non-Chinese people to learn about this culture, but also engages with Darwin-based Chinese families and reconnects them with language and culture.

“It is an opportunity to appreciate the dances, songs and activities related to Chinese New Year, just like they would if they were in their mother country.”

Ms Yu-Vatskalis said the festivities were also an opportunity for the Darwin community to learn more about the programs and events the Confucius Institute hosts throughout the year.

She said these programs included language classes, cultural workshops, and public lectures.

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Originally published as Charles Darwin University’s Confucius Institute marks Year of the Snake at city campus