On February 14, 2026, the San Diego Chapter of the Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors (FASCA-SD) hosted a Lunar New Year celebration, bringing members together for a cultural enrichment and meaningful team bonding.
The event opened with a special surprise: FASCA mentors, together with OCAC Council Member Steve Hsieh, presented an energetic dragon dance performance. The dynamic movements of the dragon symbolized strength, prosperity, and good fortune for the new year. The unexpected performance immediately energized the audience and set a joyful and festive tone for the celebration, while also providing members with a deeper appreciation of this traditional cultural art form.
The event was designed not only as a festive gathering, but also as an opportunity for members to deepen their understanding of Lunar New Year customs while strengthening connections within the FASCA family. Through hands-on activities and collaborative experiences, students actively engaged in learning about traditional practices in an interactive and memorable way.
Cultural arts and crafts stations allowed participants to explore creativity while reflecting on heritage. Members illustrated their “ideal hot pot,” symbolizing reunion and prosperity, created horse-themed puppets and drawings inspired by traditional art motifs, and practiced calligraphy to experience the beauty and discipline of Chinese brush writing. These activities encouraged both artistic expression and cultural appreciation.
In addition to the arts component, members worked together to prepare wontons and dumplings—traditional foods that represent unity, wealth, and good fortune. The cooking process fostered teamwork, communication, and cooperation, as students learned the cultural symbolism behind the dishes while sharing responsibilities.
A highlight of the celebration was the generous potluck meal thoughtfully prepared by the parents of FASCA members. Their dedication and support provided not only a delicious and abundant spread of traditional dishes, but also demonstrated the strong partnership between families and the organization. FASCA-SD extends its sincere appreciation to all parents who contributed their time, effort, and culinary talents to make the gathering warm and memorable.
Interactive games added energy and laughter to the celebration, reinforcing camaraderie and trust among members. Through friendly competition and shared experiences, students built stronger relationships and developed a deeper sense of belonging within the organization.
The Lunar New Year celebration reflected FASCA’s ongoing commitment to cultural learning, leadership development, and community building. By combining tradition, teamwork, and strong family support, the event successfully nurtured cultural identity and unity, further strengthening FASCA-SD as one connected and supportive family.
Reported by: Raymond Liu, FASCA San Diego PR Team
●About FASCA-SD
The Formosa Association of Student Cultural Ambassadors – San Diego empowers Taiwanese American youth to develop leadership skills, promote cultural exchange, and serve their local communities through education and outreach initiatives.
Learn more and follow us:
●Website: https://www.fascasandiego.com/
●Instagram:@fasca_sandiego
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