Although 2009 arrived almost a month ago, more than 1,300 people packed the Phillips Center for the Performing Arts on Saturday for another New Year's celebration.
Children and dragons danced to lively music at UF's fifth annual Chinese New Year's Celebration. Families mingled outside the theater, taking pictures with costume pandas and munching on sweets.
The show was hosted by UF's Friendship Association of Chinese Students and Scholars. It featured dance performances by Hua-Gen Chinese School students, dressed in shimmering gold and red costumes, and dancers from the Danscompany of Gainesville.
Knives gleamed in the spotlight as the Meihua Students Association of Martial Arts performed combat moves. Three women from the Sino Elite Group each spun four saucers on long sticks while doing headstands and somersaults.
Ryan Byrnes, a UF freshman, attended the event with his girlfriend to get a taste of some of her traditions and background.
"I liked how the audience got involved in the show, clapping and cheering," Byrnes said. "It shows a lot of pride for the Chinese culture."
The Chinese new year starts on the new moon, the darkest day of the month, and ends on the full moon 15 days later.
This is the year of the ox, which is said to bring prosperity, patience, hard work and diligence.
"How very appropriate for the times we live in," said Bernie Machen, who attended the event and gave a short speech.
Machen said he hopes the event helped the university's more than 600 Chinese students feel at home.
Considered one of the most important Chinese holidays, New Year's Day is centered on families reconnecting and giving thanks.
Nina Robinson, a UF sophomore, said she looks forward to going to her grandmother's house every year for a New Year's meal.
"My family takes days to prepare the New Year's meal of pork, duck and rice," Robinson said. "My grandma also makes a special Chinese Jell-O that I look forward to every year."
