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~~The cross-year bell resounded through the horizon as the greeting train arrived on time. The unforgettable year of the dog has come to pass as the prosperity of the year of the pig starts to bloom. The Confucius Institute at the University of Regina collaborated with the local associations to hold a series of Chinese New Year Celebration Activities, including the Regina Chinese Freemasons, the Regina Chinese Canadian Association, and the Chinese Scholar and Students Association. The Honorable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, Canada; the Honorable Gene Makowsky, Minister of Park, Saskatchewan; City of Regina Mayor Michael Fougere; Madam Lu Xu, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Calgary respectively attended the grand events and brought their greetings. More than 2500 local communities and university staff, faculties and students participated in the events.
On February 5th, the day of the Chinese Spring Festival, the Confucius Institute at the University of Regina hosted the Golden Pig's New Year Temple Fair at the university's main campus. Various Chinese traditional cultural activities, such as Calligraphy, Dough Figuring, Zodiac Sweepstakes, Red Envelopes, Lucky Words for the New Year attracted a large number of participants. The "Spring Festival Gala" that is a typical traditional memory for most Chinese people were playing on the television during that day. Many staff and students stopped by and were astonished by the fantastic scenes of the stage, brilliant programs, and the cultural connotations behind the Spring Festival Gala as well. Many of them were unwilling to leave and want to watch the gala continuously.
The Chinese community has always been the central participants in the Spring Festival celebrations. This year, however, the Confucius Institute enhanced the collaboration with local Non-Chinese associations. For example, the Confucius Institute was invited to hold a New Year's Experiencing by the McCannel Condominium Association Club, composed of senior local dignitaries from Regina and members of the Council of Associations. Another special event to celebrate is the Chinese New Year Assembly at Jack Mackenzie Elementary School. The Dragon dance brought by the Confucius Institute, the musical instrument ensemble "Jasmine" performed by Chinese and Canadian, and the "Ribbon Dance" highlight the Chinese characteristics and elements during the celebration.
As the Chinese Culture continuously immersed in the community, more diverse people have fallen in love with the Chinese festival and culture as well as who are eager to perform in the program and initiate to participate in the celebration. The increase of diversity in the New Year's Celebration promotes the realization of positive Chinese and international relation.