Date: September 24, 2024
The Mid-Autumn Festival is celebrated annually in honor of the autumn harvest and the full moon. The moon in several Asian cultures symbolizes family reunion and prosperity.
At Universidad Santiago de Cali, this celebration was held for the second consecutive year.
Students of the Chinese language classes at USC
The day’s celebration began with the Chinese Culture Demonstration section, where students from the Chinese classes presented the animals of the Chinese zodiac, playing different games to interact with their respective meanings.
China-Colombia Biodiversity: Synergy of Life
This was followed by a talk on biodiversity between China and Colombia, in which speakers Isabella Gómez and Juan Sebastián Díaz addressed issues related to the fauna of both countries, their work at the Cali Zoo and endangered species. Stressing the importance of protecting wildlife, Isabella emphasized: ‘We must not take animals out of their habitat to be with us‘.
The Chinese Association participates in the celebration
Showcasing their traditional food and calligraphy, the Chinese Association in Cali participated in the cultural exchange. Wife cakes, moon cakes and egg tarts were the sweet touch that allowed the spectators to taste these desserts.
The stroke of Chinese calligraphy generated admiration among the attendees to see the precision, beauty and skill of the calligrapher who managed to capture their traditions in each character.
The Dragon Dance
To culminate the celebration, the Dragon Dance was performed on the USC Boulevard. This spectacle, which symbolizes good luck and prosperity, featured dancers who, to the rhythm of traditional music, moved a colorful and long dragon with grace and dexterity. The dance captivated the spectators, who gathered on the boulevard to enjoy the cultural performance, creating a festive and energetic atmosphere.