Lunar New Year—one of the most important holidays in Asian culture—marks the beginning of a new year in the lunar calendar. It is a time for celebration, family, tradition, and good fortune. Students, teachers, and parents of PDS come together annually to build the Lunar New Year celebration, honoring important traditions while promoting cultural appreciation and inclusivity for students and families. Taking place on January 28 in the campus center, the celebration featured performances, feasts, and festivities, where attendees were able to experience the holiday’s significance firsthand and connect with one another through its rich traditions. 

The Lunar New Year celebration is more than just an event for the community; it is built by the community itself. Though the event was mainly organized by the Community Multicultural Development Team (CMDT), this year, families brought popular homemade meals like peking duck and white rabbit. They also participated in performances like the dragon dance and other musical showcases to teach about their own traditions and offer a shared experience for everyone. The event aims to elevate student voices through performances from the Lower School, Middle School, and Upper School communities. These performances provide a chance for students to share and teach others about their culture. They also help create an environment where students can feel valued and represented for their diverse backgrounds. History teacher Victor Cirilo, Chair of the CMDT, emphasizes the shared aspect of these celebrations: “At the heart of any celebration, people want to come together as a community to celebrate, eat, and connect in that way.” Within the event, students find their own ways to connect with the holiday, whether by finding familiar traditions or discovering new aspects.

Whether they grew up celebrating the holiday or experiencing it for the first time, students found the event to be both educational and enjoyable. Junior Connor Sun, who grew up celebrating Lunar New Year, shared his personal perspective on the event: “Lunar New Year allows me to celebrate with my friends and family. Living in America, it gives me a chance to reconnect with my roots and culture.” Fellow Junior Luke Nolte, eager to learn more about Asian culture, shares how he was able to experience new aspects of Asian traditions: “I was able to experience some cultural dishes, especially desserts, and also cultural games that I was not aware of.” The celebration was not limited to those with personal ties to the holiday; students from all backgrounds took part, embracing Lunar New Year traditions. Through these shared experiences, the Lunar New Year celebration brings all attendees closer, deepening both personal connections and cultural understandings of the holiday.