This year, the Chinese (Lunar) New Year falls on Saturday 10 February, marking the start of the Year of the Dragon – symbolising power and strength.
Also known as the Spring Festival, you may see the festival referred to as the Lunar New Year, as many countries across Asia celebrate it with variations in traditions around the celebration.
Other places that celebrate Lunar New Year include Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea (설날 – Seollal), Mongolia (Tsagaan Sar), Indonesia (Imlek), Malaysia (Hokkein, a dialect originating from Southeastern China: Chap Goh Mei), Singapore, Vietnam (Tết), and the Philippines. The East and Southeast Asian (ESEA) diaspora celebrates the festivities globally.
Learn more:
Members of our staff community have written blog posts to share how they celebrate the Lunar New Year. Visit the EDI SharePoint to read their personal stories:
What’s on:
- The Campus Kitchen will be celebrating by serving special lunchtime dishes on Friday 16 February. These lunchtime specials will be served in B38 Terrace Restaurant, National Oceanography Centre Café, and Avenue Café. There will also be a special dinner at Highfield Halls.
- ResLife will host Lunar New Year themed crafting and giveaways at our Halls sites on 9th (Erasmus Park), 14th (City Gateway), and 15th (Wessex Lane) February from 7-9 pm.
- SUSU have various events at both WSA and Highfield campuses, including red envelope giveaway at WSA on Friday 9 February: https://www.susu.org/event/22515/year-of-the-dragon-red-envelope-give-away-at-wsa
Events in the community:
In partnership with local associations, the Confucius Institute at the University of Southampton are delighted to invite you to a series of events to celebrate the Lunar New Year held in Southampton and Eastleigh. Find out more about the Confucius Institute.
- Chinese Spring Festival
Saturday 10 February, starts from 10:30, Southampton Guildhall Square and Westquay Shopping Centre
Enjoy dragon and lion dances from 10.30 am at Guildhall Square, followed by creative workshops from 12:00 in Westquay Shopping Centre.
- Lantern Festival
Saturday 24 February, 14:00-16:00, Eastleigh Marketplace
Celebrate the Lantern Festival at Eastleigh Marketplace to mark the end of the Lunar New Year celebrations, featuring live performances and workshops suitable for both children and adults.