Bringing Tradition into the Community: UCC Confucius Institute Marks 2025 Chinese New Year in Cork

25 Jan 2025

Happening On 25/01/2025

As the Year of the Dragon came to an end, the arrival of the Year of the Snake was joyfully welcomed with festive celebrations. On January 25, 2025, the UCC Confucius Institute (CI), in collaboration with the Ireland Cork Chinese Business Association, successfully hosted the 2025 Chinese New Year Celebration at Marina Market, Cork. This event marked a historic milestone, as it was the first time the UCC CI held the Chinese New Year Celebration outside traditional venues—such as City Hall and the University—bringing it into the heart of the local community. It was also the first collaboration of its kind between the UCC Confucius Institute, the Ireland Cork Chinese Business Association, and local Chinese enterprises, offering an immersive cultural experience through vibrant performances and interactive workshops.

Distinguished Guests Extend New Year Greetings

The celebration was graced by esteemed guests, including H.E. Xiyuan Zhao, Ambassador of the Chinese Embassy in Ireland; Councillor Dan Boyle, Lord Mayor of Cork; Councillor Joe Carroll, Mayor of County Cork; and Professor John O’Halloran, President of University College Cork (UCC). In their speeches, they emphasized the importance of cultural exchange and conveyed heartfelt New Year greetings to both the Chinese and Irish communities.

Lord Mayor Dan Boyle commended UCC Confucius Institute for its invaluable contributions to China-Ireland cultural relations, reaffirming Cork’s dedication to diversity and inclusivity. Mayor Joe Carroll highlighted the increasing presence of Chinese language and culture in County Cork, acknowledging UCC Confucius Institute’s pivotal role in fostering deeper mutual understanding.

President John O’Halloran praised UCC Confucius Institute’s efforts in strengthening academic collaborations between UCC, Shanghai University, and other Chinese institutions. He also expressed enthusiasm for future exchanges, particularly as Cork and Shanghai mark the 20th anniversary of their twinned partnership.

Cultural Highlights & Interactive Experiences

Ambassador Zhao warmly greeted the Chinese community and local attendees, presenting 60 specially prepared New Year gift packs as a token of goodwill. His presence underscored the deep cultural ties between China and Ireland, adding significance to the celebration and fostering a sense of connection among all present.

The event featured a vibrant and diverse program, offering both captivating performances and immersive hands-on experiences that brought Chinese traditions to life.

Spectacular Stage Performances

Two grand performances took place from 12:00–1:00 PM and 2:00–3:00 PM, showcasing 18 outstanding acts selected from a highly competitive nationwide call for entries. The carefully curated lineup featured:

• Traditional Chinese instrumental music
• Contemporary and classical Chinese dance
• Martial arts displays
• Cross-cultural musical collaborations blending Chinese and Irish instruments

Performers included dedicated teachers and students from the UCC Confucius Institute, international students at UCC, and talented Chinese artists from Dublin, Limerick, and Tralee. Their energy, artistry, and passion created a mesmerizing cultural spectacle that left the audience enthralled.

Engaging Cultural Workshops

Six interactive workshops provided visitors with the opportunity to explore traditional Chinese art forms and heritage through hands-on experiences, including:

• Calligraphy – Discovering the elegance of Chinese characters
• Paper Cutting – Crafting intricate paper designs
• Tea Culture – Learning the art of Chinese tea appreciation
• Sugar Painting – Watching skilled artisans create edible sugar art
• Face Painting – Adorning faces with delicate floral and animal designs
• Traditional Chinese Games – Trying their hand at pitch-pot, spinning tops, and bamboo dragonflies

The sugar painting workshop proved to be a crowd favorite, drawing eager participants who at one point numbered over 80 in line! Families and children also delighted in the traditional games, while the face painting station was particularly popular among young attendees, adding to the joyful and festive atmosphere.

With its rich blend of spectacular performances and engaging workshops, the celebration provided a dynamic and immersive experience, allowing visitors to not just witness but actively participate in the beauty of Chinese culture.

A Grand Success & A Bright Future Ahead

With over 1,000 attendees, the event was a resounding success, uniting members of the Chinese and Irish communities in a vibrant celebration of culture, friendship, and unity.

The overwhelming enthusiasm reaffirmed the Confucius Institute’s vital role as a bridge between China and Ireland, fostering deeper cultural connections and mutual understanding.

As the 2025 Chinese New Year Celebration concluded in an atmosphere of joy and togetherness, it was clear that this initiative had laid a strong foundation for future cultural exchanges. By embracing diverse audiences and promoting meaningful engagement, the UCC Confucius Institute continues to strengthen the bond between Ireland and China, shaping a future rich in collaboration and cultural appreciation.