The Sands Institute for Chinese Language and Culture at UNLV is entering its second year, marking the occasion by inviting the campus community to take part in one of the most important cultural celebrations in the Chinese calendar: the Lunar New Year.
This year, the Sands Institute Lunar New Year events include an inaugural celebration for UNLV faculty and staff. On Feb. 17, the institute will host Galloping Forward, honoring the Year of the Fire Horse, a symbol of energy, confidence, and forward momentum.
The celebration will be held from 5 p.m.-6:30 p.m. on Feb. 17 at Hospitality Hall. Faculty and staff are asked to please RSVP here by Feb.10.
The event will feature Asian cuisine, festive toasts, a lion dance, Sichuan Opera face-changing, Chinese music, a fashion show, and prize drawings, including a M-Resort staycation package and restaurant gift cards, as the Sands Institute looks to build a vibrant new campus tradition.
In addition to the Feb. 17 celebration, students, faculty, and staff are invited to take part in a variety of Lunar New Year events happening across campus. In recognition of the extended Lunar New Year celebration tradition in China, the Sands Institute is hosting a series of cultural activities in collaboration with Chinese Corner, a UNLV registered student organization dedicated to Chinese culture and language.
These activities and workshops include Chinese lantern making, a calligraphy class to learn how to write auspicious Chinese characters to put on doors, a Mahjong tournament, and more. These hands-on experiences offer members of the campus community meaningful opportunities to engage with traditional practices and celebrations.
Other events
Chinese calligraphy workshop
Now until March 9, 2026
Mondays from 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.
MAB-2, Room 155
Lunar New Year Night Market
Feb. 18, 2026
5 p.m.-9 p.m.
Pida Plaza
