It’s an exciting time for our Clark community as we celebrate Lunar New Year (also known as Spring Festival or Chinese New Year).
Just because you’re in Massachusetts doesn’t mean you have to miss out on East Asian cultural traditions. Nearly 7% of the Bay State's population comprises Asian-Americans, so there are many ways to ring in the holiday with the local community. Lunar New Year begins on February 5, kicking off 15 days of celebration. It's all about family, friends, food, and fun.Here are our top recommendations for ways to usher in the Year of the Pig:
1. Eat up at Clark Dining's Chinese New Year: Our chefs work hard to bring you the taste of home. Higgins Cafe features all-you-care to eat homemade meals in a social space. On February 5 (from 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.) each of the cafe's stations will feature specialty menu items themed to celebrate the holiday!
2. Dance the night away: You don't have to look further than the heart of campus to find a good party. Hosted by Clark University Asian Culture Society, this semi-formal event will include food, performances, and dancing. The event will be held in Tilton Hall on February 8 from 6 - 9 p.m.
3. Spice it up at Red Pepper: If you didn't get enough Asian-inspired food at the Clark Dining event, Red Pepper is our favorite Chinese gourmet spot in Worcester. The cozy eatery offers traditional Sichuan dishes, which are renowned for their spicy and bold flavors. We recommend the Dan Dan noodles, fried chicken with dry chili peppers, and the lotus roots.
4. Keep the fun alive at the Chinatown Lion Dance Parade: If you're looking for a bigger party, travel to nearby Boston's Chinatown to enjoy dance performances, food, family activities, and cultural art demonstrations. The celebration is a remarkable showcase of the richness, diversity, and culture of the Asian community. This year's event will be held February 17 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
5. Throw a house party: Home is the principal focus of the holiday. Why not invite some close friends over, decorate your home with glowing red paper lanterns, and make your own home-cooked dishes? OK, we won't judge if you order take-out instead...Host a fun gift exchange, complete with traditional red envelopes, to top off the evening.
6. Show your spirit by wearing red: Apart from delicious food and lively performances, the color red defines many of the Lunar Year festivities. Red symbolizes good fortune and luck. Wear your "Clark red" gear to showcase your school spirit and ensure that your year is a fortuitous one.
We wish our Clark community a happy and prosperous Year of the Pig!
