BelSU Rings in the Lunar New Year: A Celebration of Culture and Friendship

The Department of Second Foreign Languages organized this significant event, which honours one of the most cherished holidays in Chinese culture – the Chinese New Year. This festive occasion represents renewal, familial unity, and hope for a prosperous future.

The gathering fostered a warm and welcoming atmosphere, bringing together faculty, students, and international partners from Dezhou University in China.

Olga Prokhorova, the director of the Institute, extended her heartfelt congratulations to participants as Sun Xingyuan, a representative from Dezhou University, highlighted the importance of the enduring friendship between the two institutions.

The program was rich with engaging activities: participants showcased their talents through literary performances, songs, and traditional dances. Event hosts Georgy Martynov and Maryam Arutyunyan welcomed guests in both Russian and Chinese, setting a multicultural tone for the festivities.

Students from the Institute – Dayana Manukova, Alexander Prokhorenko, and Maria Ivanchikhina – delivered insightful presentations on the symbols and traditions associated with the Chinese New Year. Meanwhile, students from Moya Shkola in the Repnoye village, under the guidance of teacher Natalya Borisevich, presented an exploration of Russian and Chinese traditions in English.

A highlight of the event was the emphasis on classic Chinese poetry, with recitations featuring works by renowned poets such as Xu Zhimo, Li Bo, and Wang Anshi. ICCIR student Nikita Kuzminov introduced attendees to these timeless verses, alongside contributions from students at Gymnasium No. 22, led by Dmitry Balanchukov –a BelSU graduate and recipient of the Teacher of the Year – 2025 Award.

The audience was captivated by the elegance of traditional choreography, including a mesmerizing fan dance by department assistant Sofia Agafonova and a stylized Chinese dance performed by students from group 04002414.

The celebratory mood was further uplifted by the energetic rendition of Gongxi Gongxi by students from group 04002407. Polina Pekhtereva’s powerful performance of Yuèliang Dàibiǎo Wǒ de Xīn left a lasting impression on all present.

The event culminated in a heartfelt rendition of Ming Tian Hui Geng Hao – Tomorrow Will Be Better, performed by students from group 02052301 from the Faculty of Foreign Languages at the Pedagogical Institute. Inna Koteneva, head of the Department of German and French Languages at the Pedagogical Institute, played a vital role in coordinating their performance.

Overall, the Lunar New Year celebration fostered a joyful and friendly environment that successfully met both educational and cultural outreach goals. The event provided an invaluable opportunity for Russian and Chinese participants to connect beyond the classroom, embodying the spirit of friendship and mutual understanding across cultures. The Department of Second Foreign Languages expressed gratitude to all participants for their dedication and contributions to making this event memorable.