9. Feb. 2024
On February 9, the Confucius Institute Graz welcomed the Year of the Wooden Dragon with more than 400 guests.
The festive program began with a traditional Chinese dragon parade and lion dance performed by the students of the Confucius Classroom in Weiz. The evening was characterized by cultural exchange between Austria and China, which was underlined by musical performances from both countries. While individual performances on the guzheng, a Chinese zither, and the erhu, a traditional Chinese stringed instrument, were presented from the Middle Kingdom, performances by the Graz University Orchestra invited visitors to waltz and rumba on the dance floor. The intercultural choir of the Confucius Institute Graz sang the well-known jasmine blossoms at this spring festival.
The evening was opened by the Vice-Rector for Internationalization and Gender Equality of the University of Graz, Prof. Mireille van Poppel. As chairperson of the Soroptimist International Club Graz Rubin, Eva Märzendorfer-Chen addressed the audience and reported on the charitable purposes of the club. The Confucius Institute Graz also welcomed Hanno Wisiak, District Head of Geidorf, representing Mayor Kahr, and Christian Buchmann, Member of the Federal Council, representing Governor Drexler. This was followed by words of welcome from the Head of the Education Department of the Embassy of the PR. China in the Republic of Austria, Prof. Huang Chongling, representing the ambassador.
To welcome the Year of the Wooden Dragon, the visitors were taught the most important Chinese phrases such as “Ni Hao” or “Ganbei” (Cheers!) with a short vocabulary unit. The dragon is considered particularly lucky in China and, in combination with the element wood, symbolizes cooperative strength - so a time of new beginnings and transformations is imminent, which is best started together. For this reason, all guests received small lucky charms and friendship bracelets.
We would like to thank all participants and supporters for the colorful and cheerful evening, the great interest and the lively exchange. We wish everyone a happy and fulfilling Year of the Dragon!
In addition to our photo selection, you can also get an impression of this evening on film via the YouTube channel or the Instagram account of the Confucius Institute Graz!
