Metropolitan State University of Denver Roadrunners gathered Jan. 25 in the Tivoli Turnhalle to celebrate the Lunar New Year. This year’s festivities included a lion-dance performance, a Japanese tea ceremony, activities, crafts and food as well as Gamelan, K-pop and kung fu performances.

Lunar New Year begins 15 days after the first new moon of the lunar calendar, meaning the date varies from year to year on Western calendars. The origins of the celebration, which is recognized in many Asian countries and around the globe, are thousands of years old. For many, the celebration stems from the Chinese legend of Nian, a beast who could be scared away only with bright red decorations, loud noises and fire.

The event was planned by the newly-formed interdisciplinary Asian Studies Committee and sponsored by the Center for Equity and Student Achievement; the Center for Multicultural Engagement and Inclusion; the College of Letters, Arts and Sciences; the Department of English; the Department of Music; the Department of Philosophy; the Department of Sociology and Anthropology; the Office of Diversity and Inclusion; and CU Boulder Center for Asian Studies.

MSU Denver Lunar New Year celebration

MSU Denver Lunar New Year celebration

MSU Denver Lunar New Year celebration

MSU Denver Lunar New Year celebration

MSU Denver Lunar New Year celebration

MSU Denver Lunar New Year celebration