The Lunar New Year celebration organised by the Dublin City Council has been a cultural cornerstone in Ireland for 16 years since 2008. It has not only attracted an increasing number of participating countries but has also diversified into a more vibrant event. The media spotlight this year was on Mongolia, drawing local residents and tourists to join the festivities.
The inclusivity of participants from various Asian countries, not limited to the Chinese community, has fostered cultural exchange and understanding. It has evolved into a carnival of diverse cultures, injecting Dublin with a rich cultural atmosphere. The Dublin School of Mandarin Chinese and the Taiwan Centre for Mandarin Learning in Ireland consistently bring excitement to the Lunar New Year activities. On February 4, they hosted a unique Taiwanese glove puppetry workshop, accompanied by delightful Taiwanese snacks for over 20 families.
Evan Furlong, the Overseas Community Affair Council (OCAC) Advisor, expressed gratitude for the support from the OCAC and the Taipei Representative Office in Ireland. She highlighted the rich history and unique features of Taiwanese glove puppetry, whether it's the traditional puppetry skills combined with modern storylines or the exquisite puppets integrated with projection and special effects.
The workshop not only taught the audience basic glove puppetry techniques such as walking, running, and fighting, including fun actions like playing rock-paper-scissors but also cleverly incorporated elements of the Lunar New Year into the workshop. Participants felt the festive atmosphere amid laughter. One of the most popular segments was the puppet costume design competition. Participants showcased their creativity by designing colorful and distinctive puppet costumes, demonstrating their rich imagination.
Beyond the competition, indulging in Taiwanese snacks became a highlight of the entire event. Through this lively cultural activity, the event successfully bridged the gap between participants and Taiwanese glove puppetry. Simultaneously, it added a unique cultural charm to Dublin's Lunar New Year celebration.
