Ateneo de Manila Celebrates 2026 Chinese New Year: Year of the Horse Festivities | CI-ADMU

福到，好运到！新春马年，马到成功!

Fú dào, hǎo yùn dào! Xīn chūn mǎ nián, mǎ dào chéng gōng!

When fortune arrives, great luck follows; in this Spring Festival of the Year of the Horse, may success come swiftly.

Ateneo Confucius Institute Celebrates a Month of Chinese New Year Festivities

The Confucius Institute at the Ateneo de Manila University (CI-ADMU) marked the 2026 Chinese New Year with a vibrant series of cultural and educational events spanning from January 29th to March 3rd, 2026. The month-long celebration aimed to immerse participants in Chinese traditions and strengthen cultural ties between the Philippines and China. The events drew participation from students, professionals, and the wider community, showcasing the growing interest in Mandarin language learning and Chinese culture.

A Diverse Program of Cultural Experiences

The CI-ADMU’s Chinese New Year program was remarkably diverse, encompassing workshops, performances, and exhibitions. A calligraphy workshop on January 29th, geared towards contestants in the Mr. And Ms. Chinatown Global pageant, introduced participants to the art of Chinese writing and the significance of the “Fu” character – a symbol of happiness and good fortune. This was followed by a guzheng performance on February 5th during the Gala Night, adding an element of traditional Chinese music to the festivities.

From February 13th to 15th, an exhibition of Chinese paintings, created by CI-ADMU students, was held in partnership with OPUS Mall, extending the reach of the cultural celebration to a broader public audience. Further workshops were conducted with employees of China Airlines and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Manila, offering opportunities for corporate engagement with Chinese culture.

Community Engagement and Educational Outreach

The Institute also prioritized engaging younger audiences. A CNY Kids Corner event on February 17th featured storytelling and hands-on activities like crafting red packets (Hongbao). Collaboration with De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde and Ateneo Senior High School’s Silk Road program brought Chinese knot-making and calligraphy workshops to students, fostering cross-institutional cultural exchange. The CI-ADMU also hosted a special event for Cycle Mandarin students, incorporating dumpling making, costume photos, and a “CI Café” where students practiced their Mandarin skills.

Participation in the Philippine-China Traditional Cultural Festival

The CI-ADMU extended its celebrations beyond its campus, participating in the 22nd Philippine-China Traditional Cultural Festival at Rizal Park in Manila on February 22nd. Organized in partnership with the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, the Institute showcased Chinese calligraphy, knot-making, and the art of Gongfu Cha (traditional Chinese tea preparation). The event also featured guzheng performances, a photo exhibition on Philippine-China relations, and the distribution of traditional Chinese treats.

The Confucius Institute at Ateneo: Promoting Language and Culture

The Confucius Institute at Ateneo de Manila University, with campuses in Makati City and Quezon City, offers a range of programs focused on Mandarin language learning and Chinese culture. These include language classes for all levels, cultural classes in painting, calligraphy, and Tai Chi, and internationally-recognized Chinese Proficiency Examinations like the HSK and YCT. You can find more information about the Institute and its offerings at their official website. The Institute’s Makati campus is located at 6/F, Ateneo Professional Schools, #130 H.V. Dela Costa St., Salcedo Village, Makati City, Philippines, and can be reached at +63 (2) 8894-4513. The Quezon City campus is at 2/F, Room 206 Manila Observatory, Ateneo De Manila University, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City, Philippines, and can be contacted at +63 (2) 8426-6001 Local 5288.

The successful completion of the 2026 Chinese New Year celebrations underscores the CI-ADMU’s commitment to fostering cultural understanding and strengthening the relationship between the Philippines and China. As noted in a report on the Ateneo University website, the Institute continues to play a vital role in promoting Chinese language education and cultural exchange within the Philippines.

The growing popularity of these events reflects a broader trend of increasing interest in Chinese language and culture globally, driven by China’s rising economic and political influence. The Confucius Institute network, with locations around the world, plays a key role in facilitating this cultural exchange. A similar celebration was also held at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań, Poland, as reported on their Facebook page, demonstrating the global reach of these cultural observances.