The Lunar New Year Celebration at IIL

For several weeks, our students celebrated the Lunar New Year, marking the start of the year of the Fire Horse. The festivities began on 17 February. That week, during the English Primary Weekly Assembly dedicated to the event, IIL had the honour of welcoming the First Secretary of the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China. The students from Year 5 and Year 6 Mandarin class performed a traditional Chinese dance, and students learned about the traditions associated with this celebration.

A variety of activities were also organised by teachers over the following days. The Year 5 Mandarin class students had the chance to be invited to the United Nations to take part in a gala celebrating the beginning of the Lunar New Year. Dressed in traditional Chinese clothing provided by the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China, the students performed songs in both Mandarin and English alongside the Mission’s First Secretary and the children of diplomats. Following the performance, the students had the opportunity to explore Chinese culture through various stands set up for the occasion. IIL warmly thanks the Permanent Mission of the People’s Republic of China for this event, which will remain engraved in the memories of our students.

The event concluded on 3 March with the much-anticipated Lantern Festival. Students presented their handmade lanterns and lion masks through traditional dances and songs.  Our mascot, Leo, also took part in the celebrations, dressed in traditional attire. These celebrations brought our students together and allowed them to discover the richness of another culture.

Watch the event videos.