A Month of Cultural Vibrancy at UCC Confucius Institute

17 Apr 2025

What an incredibly vibrant month it has been! Throughout this March and April, the UCC Confucius Institute buzzed with cultural energy, creating unforgettable moments and fostering meaningful exchange across Cork and its surrounding areas. Dedicated to advancing Chinese language and culture in Ireland, we left a trail of cultural enrichment through a diverse range of activities, from the lively St. Patrick’s Day Parade to insightful school visits, from the serene art of tea ceremonies to the expressive strokes of calligraphy workshops, truly bringing Chinese culture to life in every corner we touched.

March 17 | Cork City St. Patrick’s Day Parade: A Spectacle of East Meets West

We proudly marched alongside thousands in Cork’s grandest annual celebration, once again painting the city with the vibrant hues of Chinese culture! Our delegation of over 100 members captivated the crowds with dynamic dragon dances, the rhythmic beat of traditional drums, and energetic martial arts demonstrations performed by five incredibly talented young participants. The procession of participants adorned in exquisite Hanfu and various ethnic costumes added to the visual feast. The magnificent golden dragon, a special gift from a craftsman in Zhejiang, China, truly stole the show, drawing cheers and applause all along the parade route. It was a moving testament to the harmonious meeting of Eastern and Western cultures, celebrated with immense joy, movement, and a kaleidoscope of colors.

March 18 | Intercultural Celebration at UCC Business School: Tea, Craft, and Friendship

The very next day, we were honored to be invited to UCC’s Intercultural Celebration hosted by UCC Business School. UCC Confucius Institute curated a Chinese tea ceremony display and a traditional blessing craft station. Students and staff eagerly joined us in savoring the fragrant aromas of Chinese tea, learning the delicate art of traditional pouring techniques, and creating vibrant paper lanterns and red decorations adorned with handwritten wishes for good fortune. This event was a beautiful celebration of cultural diversity, fostering new friendships and sparking creativity among all who participated.

Bringing Culture to Schools: Inspiring Young Minds

This March, we had the pleasure of bringing hands-on Chinese culture workshops to students at Villiers School and Glenstal Abbey School in Limerick, as well as St. Angela’s College in Cork. From the intricate art of paper cutting to the elegant strokes of ink brush calligraphy, students of all ages enthusiastically explored the beauty and depth of Chinese traditions. These interactive sessions provided a unique opportunity for young learners to engage directly with Chinese culture.

Cork Lifelong Learning Festival: Sharing Culture with the Community

As a proud participant in Cork’s eight-day citywide Lifelong Learning Festival, UCC Confucius Institute hosted a series of highly popular workshops, including the delicious fun of dumpling-making, the colorful creativity of face painting, the tranquil appreciation of tea culture, and more. Each session was filled with curious minds, beaming smiles, and enriching cultural conversations, highlighting the community’s keen interest in learning about China.

Through all these amazing events, we have been once again reminded of the profound power of culture to connect people from all walks of life. We extend our sincere gratitude for every hand raised in participation, every smile exchanged in understanding, and every story shared in the spirit of cultural exchange. Stay tuned for more exciting memories and upcoming events! Follow our official website and social media channels for the latest updates.

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