For the past 18 years, community volunteers with the University Neighbourhoods Association have organized a Lunar New Year celebration to share this tradition with the UBC community. Last year, about 2,000 people attended.
The Lunar New Year celebration is a way for Asian residents around campus to come together and honour this tradition, but the event also gives people from different backgrounds a chance to experience Lunar New Year.
“This isn’t just a celebration—it’s a cultural bridge,” says Sabrina Zhang, a core team member on the celebration’s volunteer committee. “It’s a beautiful way to share the richness of our cultures.”
This year, the event was packed with various performances and activities. You could watch lion dances, Korean folk drumming, martial arts, and musical performances. Twenty booths showcased activities that attendees participated in, like Chinese calligraphy, folk games like lantern riddles, Year of the Snake painting projects, and much more. There was no shortage of delicious, traditional food.
“From the performances to the food, crafts, decorations, customs, and activities—everything is lovely and memorable,” says Eustina Na, the Korean team organizer.
“Volunteers are the backbone of cultural events at the UNA,” says Josie Chow, the UNA staff liaison for the Lunar New Year committee. Hard work by volunteer committees makes events like the celebration possible. While the UNA provides funds, facilities, marketing, and some operations, volunteers handle the rest.
Without volunteers, these events would not be possible. They contribute about 10 hours of time in the three-month preparation period, and over six hours on the day of the celebration. Many of the performances are staged by volunteers. “Volunteers can learn from each other, support each other, celebrate together, and share happiness,” says Emily Chen, a member of the celebration committee.
The event is an important cornerstone of UBC’s diverse community and a celebration of Asian culture and heritage. “People from all backgrounds—whether they’re volunteers, new residents, or UNA members—come together to celebrate, share, and embrace the traditions of Lunar New Year,” Na says.
AMIE BERNAERDT IS A THIRD YEAR STUDENT AT UBC, MAJORING IN CREATIVE WRITING AND ANTHROPOLOGY. SHE LIVES IN WESBROOK PLACE.