On January 29, 2025, the first day of the Chinese New Year, the Confucius Institute at “Grigore T. Popa” University of Medicine and Pharmacy in Iași, Romania, was adorned with festive decorations, radiating an atmosphere of renewal and joy. The institute hosted a grand “Golden Snake Welcomes the New Year: Cultural Garden Party,” bringing together local residents, university faculty and students, and Confucius Institute members to celebrate the Spring Festival and experience a vibrant cultural feast.
By 2:00 PM, the registration area was bustling with excitement as students and faculty from Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy and the EU ED School eagerly collected their “Garden Passports” and wrote their New Year wishes on the “New Year Wish Wall.” Dr. Georgeta Liliana Foia, Vice Rector of Grigore T. Popa University, and Ms. Anca Colibaba, Principal of the EU ED International School, delivered New Year greetings. They extended heartfelt Chinese New Year wishes to all attendees, expressed gratitude for the Confucius Institute’s significant role in Chinese language and traditional medicine education, and voiced hopes for deepened collaboration in the future.
Holding their passports, participants explored seven meticulously designed thematic zones. In the calligraphy section, they eagerly practiced writing the auspicious Chinese character “Fu” (福), each stroke showcasing their appreciation and respect for Chinese culture. Under the guidance of volunteers, they tried their hands at intricate Chinese paper-cutting, crafting designs featuring the character “Spring” (春) and snake motifs to express their hopes for the new year. Traditional Chinese games such as Gobang, table tennis, and pitch-pot proved to be crowd favorites. A young student from the EU ED International School excitedly shared his experience learning Gobang, a strategic game originating in China, describing it as both fun and intellectually stimulating. He expressed eagerness to share it with his family and friends back home.
Another highlight was the chopstick candy-picking challenge, alongside shuttlecock kicking and jump rope competitions, which attracted participants of all ages. The chopstick challenge required players to pick up candies from a bowl and place them into a cup using chopsticks—a particularly tricky task for many first-time chopstick users. Concentrating intently, they carefully maneuvered the candies into their cups, delighting in the challenge. Each successful game completion earned them a sticker on their “Garden Passport,” with six out of eight stickers qualifying them for exquisite prizes.
In the refreshment area, an array of traditional Chinese snacks and delicacies awaited, offering participants a taste of authentic Chinese flavors. After an energetic round of games, attendees took a break to enjoy tea and treats while sharing cultural insights with one another, basking in the relaxed and joyous atmosphere.
The cultural performances reached a climax in the middle of the event. Zhao Ying, a Chinese language volunteer teacher, captivated the audience with a mesmerizing pipa solo performance of “Dance of the Golden Snake,” vividly evoking the image of a golden serpent dancing to the lively melody. Following this, all Chinese volunteers performed “New Boy,” a song brimming with youthful energy and aspirations for the future, with volunteer Yao Yiwen spontaneously joining in with an impromptu dance. The performance concluded with Confucius Institute directors Chen Gong and Rui Ge leading everyone in extending heartfelt New Year wishes to all.
As the event neared its end, participants eagerly visited the prize redemption area, exchanging their collected stickers for carefully prepared gifts. The excitement of the lucky draw filled the air with laughter and anticipation. To conclude the festivities, children and adults alike gathered on the Confucius Institute’s outdoor lawn for a spirited tug-of-war competition. Each contestant gave their all, their enthusiasm and determination sparking laughter and cheers from the crowd. Finally, with a group photo capturing the joyful moment, the “Golden Snake Welcomes the New Year: Cultural Garden Party” came to a successful close.
As the Year of the Snake ushered in new beginnings, this lively celebration infused Iași with the essence of a traditional Chinese New Year, bringing warmth and joy to local residents and overseas Chinese students alike. Even as the event ended, many attendees lingered at the Confucius Institute, taking photos by the wish wall, practicing calligraphy, and singing “Watching the Grasslands with You,” reluctant to leave. Beyond providing an immersive experience of Chinese New Year traditions, the event fostered cultural exchange and strengthened the bonds between China and Romania. In this atmosphere of harmony and joy, everyone enjoyed an unforgettable Spring Festival celebration.