Somerville, MA – January 25, 2025: The vibrant city of Somerville came alive with the colors and sounds of the upcoming Lunar New Year as it hosted its second annual multicultural celebration. Among the various groups adding to the rich tapestry of the event were the students from the Formosa Association of Student Culture Ambassadors (FASCA) Boston Chapter. These enthusiastic young ambassadors made their mark by introducing hundreds of attendees to the unique aspects of Taiwanese culture.
Although this is only the second year, this Lunar New Year celebration event in Somerville has attracted a large, diverse crowd to experience the festivities in various countries and cultures, including lion dances and traditional dances.
The Boston FASCA students also prepared several poster boards showcasing various elements of Taiwanese culture, focusing on the traditions of the Lunar New Year. The students treated visitors to an insightful journey through Taiwan's rich heritage, explaining time-honored traditions during the Lunar New Year and delectable signature dishes often served during the celebrations.
At the FASCA booth, the students introduced the "Fortune-Toss (Bwa Bwei 擲筊)" game to engage visitors of all ages. In this fortune-telling game, one casts two moon-shaped blocks, akin to flipping a pair of coins. The visitors were engaged with little explanation. Furthermore, this interactive game also introduced the religious aspect of Taiwanese culture through entertainment and action.
The FASCA booth also welcomed a special guest: Katjana Ballantyne, the Mayor of Somerville. Ballantyne expressed admiration and gratitude for the Boston FASCA students' collaborative outreach effort. "This amazing dedication and passion to share your Taiwanese heritage are truly inspiring and meaningful," she remarked, "and I am a big supporter of Taiwan."
Ballantyne then described the warmth and hospitality of the Taiwanese people she witnessed on her trips to Taiwan between 1990 and 1995. To extend her appreciation for such cultural exchanges, Ballantyne invited Boston FASCA members to return and continue contributing to the multi-cultural event at Somerville in the years to come.
Boston FASCA students were very proud of their involvement in this year's Somerville Lunar New Year festivities. This event was an excellent opportunity to introduce Taiwan to mainstream society and raise its visibility. More importantly, their participation enriched the community and strengthened mutual understanding of diverse cultures. As the festivities concluded, Boston FASCA had another successful representation of its Taiwanese cultural roots.
