Feast of Flavour: A Buffet Dinner to Remember
The celebration kicked off with a mouthwatering buffet dinner, offering a culinary journey through China’s regional cuisines.
From fried *jiaozi* (dumplings) symbolizing prosperity to savoury chicken legs and spicy noodles, the spread catered to every palate.
Fresh fruit and desserts delighted guests, while beverages ranged from juice to cola—a crowd favourite.
“The food reminded me of home,” said an attendee from Chemistry program, “Sharing these dishes with friends from different cultures made it even more special."
Exciting Raffle Prizes: Add Festive Surprises
The raffle draw was a crowd favorite, with prizes ranging from cozy winter essentials to campus-themed treasures.
Attendees eagerly clutched their tickets, hoping to win items like "knit beanies" (perfect for Waterloo’s chilly winters), "sleek crossbody bags" (ideal for students on the go), and "stylish tote bags" adorned with UW designs.
Standout prizes included "plush dolls of the Faculty of Science’s mascot"—a beloved symbol of school spirit—and "insulated water bottles" featuring the UW logo.
"I got the science mascot plush! It’s like taking a piece of UWaterloo’s heart back to my dorm," said a third-year winner from Water Science prgram.
Spring Festival Celebration: A Night of Unity and Hope
International Event Orgnaizer Meiling Wu emphasized the celebration’s deeper purpose: “Spring Festival is about reunion and hope. For students far from home, this event is a reminder that we’re family here too.”
The night closed with group photos and a chorus of "新年快乐" (Happy New Year), leaving attendees eager for next year’s festivities.
Treasure of Culture: Lion Dance Performance
The highlight of the night was a dynamic lion dance performance.
Dressed in vibrant costumes, the dancers mesmerized the crowd with acrobatic movements, playful interactions, and rhythmic drumming.
One of the most exciting moments came when the lions began to throw lettuce into the crowd.
This tradition is deeply symbolic in Chinese culture, as the pronunciation of "生菜" (lettuce) sounds similar to "生财" (shēng cái), which means "generating wealth" or "prosperity."
By tossing the lettuce to the audience, the lions were symbolically spreading good fortune, luck, and prosperity to everyone present.
“The energy was electric,” remarked a student from Mathematical Physics program, “It’s incredible how this ancient tradition bridges generations and backgrounds.”
