An art troupe from Central China Normal University will perform at the Confucius Institute at Brock University for Chinese New Year.

It’s a symbol of power and prosperity, of energy and good luck, and this weekend, Brock is celebrating it.

The Confucius Institute at Brock University is celebrating the year of the dragon at a free Chinese New Year gala on Sunday, Feb. 5. A visiting art troupe from Central China Normal University will perform for the community, who are invited to learn more about Chinese culture, said Cheng Luo, professor and co-director of Brock’s Confucius Institute.

The dragon is the most powerful of the 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac, which also includes the ox, tiger, rabbit, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. The dragon is featured in numerous Chinese stories and culture, and factored heavily into early imperial dynasties.

“It’s a symbol of power and royalty in China,” Luo said.

“I would like to wish everyone a very successful, lucky and prosperous year of the dragon.”

Chinese New Year falls on the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar. There are two weeks of celebrations, ranting from feasts and parties to putting a Chinese character on their doors that means, loosely translated, “happiness has arrived.” One of the biggest events is the reunion dinner, for which dumplings – which symbolize wealth – are often prepared.

The Central China Normal University troupe is touring Confucius Institutes across Canada for the Chinese New Year. Brock is contributing its own peacock dance to the celebration, Luo said.

The event is part of a larger Chinese New Year celebration co-organized with the Chinese Cultural Association of the Niagara Region, the Brock Chinese Students and Scholars Association, the St. Catharines Chinese School and Families with Children from China.

Everyone is invited, and the event and parking are free. It is scheduled for 2 p.m. at Sir Winston Churchill Secondary School, 101 Glen Morris Dr. For more information, email ci@brocku.ca