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Students welcome Year of Red Monkey

The Asian American Association hosted its third annual Lunar New Year Banquet from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday in Student Center Ballroom. The 2016 ceremony included free food and presentations.

The Lunar New Year began Monday, Feb. 8, ushering in the Year of the Red Monkey.

“The Lunar New Year is celebrated by many Asian countries who follow the lunar calendar,” Elizabeth Rodriguez, vice president of the Asian American Association, said. “The purpose of the banquet is to spread cultural awareness and share in the traditions with those students who celebrate the holiday.”

China, Korea, Vietnam and other countries across the world celebrate the Lunar New Year, according to Rodriguez, a senior accounting major. All Bradley students were welcome to the event, whether they were members of the Asian American Association or not.

“I think more people should attend the event,” sophomore civil engineering major Dorothea O’Shea said. “I enjoyed the presentation, and the food was great.”

There appeared to be a lower attendance this year than last year, but guests recommended it to other Bradley students, according to Ashley Hanviriyapunt, secretary of the Asian American Association.

“I attended last year’s banquet when we had Taiko drummers as our performers,” Hanviriyapunt said. “If I’m in Peoria next year, I’d go again.”

According to Hanviriyapunt, a senior biology major, the goal of the banquet is to help bring diversity to campus by educating students about these types of holidays. The celebration serves as an opportunity for attendees to learn about different cultures.

“I would recommend this event to anyone who likes learning about other cultures and eating great food,” Rodriguez said.

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