On February 2nd, the fifth day of the Lunar New Year, Miami Fo Guang Shan hosted the "2025 Year of the Snake Spring Festival Cultural Banquet," attracting nearly 400 local attendees to experience the richness of Chinese culture through a series of festive activities. Tamarac Mayor Michelle Gomez, City Councilmember Morey Wright, Secretary Shih-Tsung Huang from the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in Miami, as well as Yang Gen, President of the Fujian Association and the Chinese-American Chamber of Commerce, were among the distinguished guests who joined the celebration.
Mayor Michelle Gomez presented a proclamation in recognition of Miami Fo Guang Shan's efforts in providing the community with opportunities to engage with Chinese culture and experience the unique traditions of the Lunar New Year. On behalf of the temple, Venerable Jueyan gifted the mayor with Spring Festival couplets written by Master Hsing Yun, books, auspicious red envelopes, and a New Year's calendar. Mayor Gomez expressed her fondness for displaying Master Hsing Yun’s calligraphy in her home during the Lunar New Year. She attended the event with her mother, fully immersing herself in the festive atmosphere and cultural performances.
Secretary Shih-Tsung Huang extended New Year's greetings and acknowledged Miami Fo Guang Shan's contributions to charity and cultural initiatives in the local community. In his speech, Venerable Jueyan encouraged everyone to embrace the "Three Acts of Goodness" spirit of Fo Guang Shan—speak good words, do good deeds, and think good thoughts. He emphasized using wisdom and mindfulness to face challenges and create a fulfilling life in the new year.
The celebration kicked off with an energetic dragon dance performed by the Miami Youth Group, captivating the audience with their lively performance. This was followed by a spectacular lion dance by the Li Guanxiong Martial Arts Association, featuring six auspicious lions leaping under the Bodhi tree, showcasing the unique charm of traditional Chinese culture and delivering a stunning visual feast for the audience.
Miami Association Supervisor Zhao Guanglong, dressed as the God of Wealth, led the crowd to the main hall, where they explored eight carefully curated cultural booths. These exhibits showcased elegant Chinese arts such as Master Hsing Yun’s calligraphy rubbings, Spring Festival couplet writing, guzheng and bamboo flute performances, Go and Chinese chess matches, ink-blown paintings, auspicious paper-cutting, Year of the Snake-themed painting, and a traditional tea ceremony. Through these interactive experiences, attendees were immersed in the beauty and vitality of traditional Chinese culture.
The Miami Fo Guang Shan temple was bustling with visitors, who deeply appreciated the temple’s dedication to promoting Chinese culture through its vibrant New Year festivities. This grand celebration—blending Buddhism, culture, art, and interactive experiences—not only conveyed New Year's blessings but also showcased the brilliance of Chinese heritage abroad, fostering meaningful connections within the community.
Tamarac City Councilmember Morey Wright shared his experience on Facebook, expressing his honor in celebrating the Lunar New Year at Miami Fo Guang Shan alongside Mayor Michelle Gomez. He emphasized the importance of celebrating and embracing cultural diversity, stating that traditions like these bring communities closer together, fostering understanding and unity among people from different backgrounds. He encouraged continued efforts in promoting cultural diversity in Tamarac, ensuring a dynamic and inclusive city for all.
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