Golden snakes welcome the New Year! As the Chinese New Year approaches, the Taichung City Government's Cultural Affairs Bureau is embracing traditional holiday customs and enhancing the festive atmosphere. Ahead of the holidays, cultural centers and libraries are hosting an array of festive event, including events where calligraphy artists are invited to craft Spring Festival couplets, floral design workshops at Taichung Public Library, handmade wool soap workshops at the Museum of Fiber Arts, and New Year-themed embroidery workshops at the Tun District Art Center. Residents are invited to join the celebrations, collect exclusive spring couplets, and experience the festive spirit in full swing.
According to the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the first calligraphy-themed events will kick off on January 4 at the Dadun Cultural Center and the Museum of Fiber Arts. At the Dadun Cultural Center, 10 prominent calligraphy artists will perform live demonstrations, offering 200 limited-edition Spring Festival couplets to the attendees. These events aim to preserve the tradition of displaying Spring Festival couplets while promoting the beauty of calligraphy. Meanwhile, the Museum of Fiber Arts, in collaboration with the Dali District Office, will host a spring calligraphy event, inviting locals to welcome the Chinese New Year and promote traditional culture.
The Museum of Fiber Arts will offer handmade wool soap workshops on January 5 and 19, where participants can craft wool soaps featuring characters like “Spring” and “Prosperity” using wet and needle felting techniques. These delightful creations are not only adorable but also serve as gentle exfoliants. Spots are limited, so early registration is encouraged. Additionally, the museum will host a variety of DIY workshops as part of the Fiber Academy's teacher-student joint exhibition, featuring activities like rattan weaving, indigo dyeing, and weaving. These events are a must for anyone who loves handcrafting!
On January 11, the Taichung City Seaport Art Center will host a spring calligraphy event accompanied by the enchanting tunes of the Wenling Guzheng Ensemble. Attendees can collect Spring Festival couplets and enjoy a creative experience by making custom imprints using six different red envelope designs, adding to the cheerful holiday vibes. On January 12, the Huludun Cultural Center will host the 2025 Golden Snake Spring Calligraphy event. This includes 200 exclusive Spring Festival couplets, square calligraphy artworks, and charming snake-themed red envelopes. Adding to the festive ambiance, the center will showcase a Golden Snake Welcomes the New Year art installation in its main hall, inviting everyone to feel the Chinese New Year vibes and welcome a year of joy and harmony.
On January 18, the Taichung Main Public Library, in collaboration with the Taichung City Ching Shi Art Society, will host the Auspicious Snake Brings Prosperity spring calligraphy event. Bibliophiles can exchange points from the library's Reading Monopoly program for vouchers to redeem Spring Festival couplets and New Year-themed art, which can be used on the day of the event. The festivities also include a Floral Dance of the Spirited Snake potted flower workshop, offering participants the chance to design their own festive floral creations. On the same day, an engaging Chinese library classification challenge will also take place at the outdoor plaza, teaching visitors how books are organized and sharing tips on mastering the art of book-finding in the library.
Also on January 18, the Tun District Art Center will host the Auspicious Persimmon New Year Painting workshop, where participants can craft adorable persimmons and oranges using pipe cleaners, as well as 3D embroidery painting with auspicious or lucky phrases using red and black wool. On January 19, the Prosperous Snake Welcomes the New Year spring calligraphy event will feature expert calligraphers creating Spring Festival couplets on-site to share blessings and festive cheer. The Cultural Affairs Bureau encourages the public to take part in the many Chinese New Year calligraphy events happening at various cultural centers and libraries across the city. For more event information, visit the respective official websites of the cultural centers and libraries.