Lunar New Year celebration organized at the Institute of Philology and Intercultural Communication
Consul General of the People’s Republic of China Xiang Bo was invited to the event.
“This winter has been especially frosty, and it is still snowing heavily outside the window, but I think that the hearts of each of our compatriots are filled with warmth and vigor. This is due to the fact that our great Motherland is moving forward on a new path of comprehensive construction of a socialist-oriented power. This is because the qualitative development of the comprehensive partnership and strategic cooperation between China and Russia brings more stability and positive energy to the world,” said the Consul to the guests of the evening.
Vice-Rector for International Affairs Timirkhan Alishev added that the Lunar New Year festivities have become an established date at KFU, “We already welcomed the Yalda New Year in Iranian tradition, and now we have this picturesque celebration of the Lunar New Year in a great company.”
The Vice-Rector reminded that 2024 is the Year of the Dragon, and Kazan’s and Kazan University’s symbol is also a dragon, or, more precisely, a wyvern called Zilant.
Director of the Institute of Philology Radif Zamaletdinov welcomed everyone and informed that Chinese students form one-sixth of the international student body at KFU. He mentioned that the latest admission season saw a serious increase in enrolment from China.
Representative of the Union of Chinese Students in Kazan Li Yunzhu spoke about the celebrations in her home country, “It’s a big and fun holiday for the Chinese people. We gather with our loved ones, cook delicious meals, and watch TV shows.” Li also told everyone about the ‘fortune jiaozi’ – a dumpling with a coin inside which is hidden among others at the New Year table. The one to find the coin is expected to have good luck in the coming year.
The evening was filled with various performances by schoolchildren and students from KFU, Kazan State Conservatory, and Kazan National Research Technical University. Martial arts were showcased by athletes from the Tatarstan Wushu Federation.
Much adulation was showered upon One Flower, One Sword – a sophisticated ceremonial dance number by KFU students.
This year, the Chunjie (Spring Festival) starts on 10 February and will be celebrated for two weeks.