The Taiwanese American Association of Tallahassee (TAA) and the Florida State University Taiwanese Students Association (FSUTSA) jointly held a Lunar New Year Lunch on February 21, welcoming a total of 127 attendees in a warm and festive atmosphere.
Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd designated representatives from his office to attend, including Director of Cultural Affairs Sandy Shaughnessy and Folklife Program Assistant Zack Moreau. Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey sent Chief of Staff Dionte Gavin and Director of Administrative and Professional Services Catherine Branch to represent the city government. Director General Charles, Chi-Yu Chou of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami also traveled from Miami to join the celebration.
The program was emceed by two FSUTSA students, who energized the audience with performances of classic Taiwanese songs. With the Lantern Festival approaching, the hosts organized a traditional riddle-guessing activity, drawing enthusiastic participation and adding joy and excitement to the Lunar New Year celebration.
On behalf of Secretary Byrd, Sandy Shaughnessy delivered congratulatory remarks and extended New Year greetings. She noted that since Florida and Taiwan established an official sister-state relationship in 1992, bilateral cooperation has continued to deepen across multiple sectors. She also expressed appreciation to Director General Chou for his active contributions to strengthening Florida–Taiwan relations.
Dionte Gavin, Chief of Staff to the Mayor of Tallahassee, remarked that this was his second time attending a TAA event. He expressed his pleasure in connecting with members of the local Taiwanese American community and introduced the various public services provided by the city government.
The event also attracted many friends of Taiwan from the local community, including families who have adopted children of Chinese heritage. Some of these children had previously studied Taiwanese culture at the Tallahassee Chinese School, and their parents have long supported Taiwanese American community activities, reflecting enduring friendship and goodwill.
Director General Chou stated that he was honored to attend the Lunar New Year celebration hosted by the Taiwanese American community in Tallahassee. Departing from Miami early that morning, he described his journey north as akin to returning home for the New Year, looking forward to celebrating with fellow Taiwanese expatriates, students, and local government representatives. He also presented a joint Spring Festival couplet from the President and Vice President reading “Seven Blessings Welcome the Spring,” conveying the government’s sincere New Year wishes to overseas Taiwanese communities.
Director General Chou further noted that, with the support of various sectors over the past year, the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami successfully signed a Taiwan–Florida Memorandum of Understanding on Economic and Trade Cooperation. The office also facilitated visits to Taiwan by Secretary of State Cord Byrd and Florida Secretary of Commerce Alex Kelly, strengthening bilateral industrial collaboration. Quoting Taiwan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Chia-Lung Lin, he expressed hope that Taiwan will continue to “gallop across the globe,” and wished all guests success and prosperity in the Year of the Horse.
In addition, six Taiwanese students from FSUTSA arrived early to help decorate the venue, set up audio equipment, welcome guests, and handle event photography, demonstrating the enthusiasm and vitality of the younger generation.
Overseas Community Affairs Council Associate Advisor Tien-Shuenn Wu prepared traditional New Year red envelopes and shared “The Story of the Year of the Horse.” His remarks wove together cultural references, including the legend of the Dragon Horse emerging from the Yellow River inspiring Fuxi to create the Eight Trigrams, the spirit of the Dragon Horse in Journey to the West, the meaning of “Immanuel,” and the auspicious blessing symbolized by the phrase “Success Upon Arrival,” adding cultural depth and festive significance to the celebration.
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