On February 22, TCML – Taiwan Business Families in the South Netherlands(TSN) held a Lunar New Year board game event at Joto’s Boardgame Cafe in Eindhoven, welcoming local residents and Mandarin learners to experience Taiwanese New Year traditions through games and hands-on cultural activities.
The event introduced participants to Ang-Ah-Piao (milk caps), a traditional card game popular in Taiwan during the 1950s, as well as Bo-Bing, a dice game commonly played during the Lunar New Year in the Minnan cultural region. Through these games, visitors were able to learn about festive customs while actively taking part in a lively and interactive atmosphere.
One activity booth inside the café was decorated with a model of Taipei 101, a nostalgic marble pinball machine, and a selection of Mandarin-language board games. TCML teachers explained the background and rules of Ang-Ah-Piao, inviting participants to compete in pairs by flicking cards toward a central stack, with the goal of knocking down as many cards as possible. The simple rules and physical interaction quickly drew interest from both first-time players and returning participants.
To enhance the festive mood, TCML teachers prepared calligraphy doufang and Chun (Spring) paper-cutting artworks as prizes. These hand-prepared works featured auspicious New Year messages for the Year of the Horse, such as wishes for prosperity and good fortune. By receiving these items, participants were able to take home not only a souvenir, but also a meaningful expression of Lunar New Year blessings and cultural symbolism.
Cheers and laughter filled the space at the Bo-Bing station, where participants rolled six dice to determine their prizes based on the number of fours rolled. The energetic atmosphere reflected the traditional excitement associated with the game. By the end of the event, four participants won board games provided by the café, adding to the sense of celebration and shared enjoyment.
The event encouraged TCML students to join the activities together with their partners, creating a warm and inclusive environment. Many students expressed surprise at realizing they were part of a broader Mandarin-learning community rather than just a small classroom. Accompanying partners also shared their appreciation for being able to take part in a Lunar New Year event that emphasized cultural exchange and a strong sense of human connection.
Joto’s Boardgame Cafe is operated by Joanne and Thomas, who opened the café out of their enthusiasm for board games. The café offers games in multiple languages, including Dutch and Mandarin, and welcomes players from diverse backgrounds. During the event, the owners joined the games alongside participants.
Through traditional games, festive decorations, and direct interaction, the event provided an opportunity for the local community to experience Lunar New Year customs in an approachable and engaging way.
