Dragons, Drums and Dazzling Silk: Linden Ignites the Lunar New Year

Nearly 60 student performers launch a five-school cultural tour, turning ordinary assemblies into unforgettable celebrations of heritage and unity

LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, N.J. —

LINDEN PUBLIC SCHOOLS, N.J. — At every stop, the reaction was the same. The drums thundered. Elementary and middle school students leaned forward in anticipation. Silk ribbons soared. Umbrellas shimmered. And when two slithering dragons burst into the gymnasium, delighted screams filled the room.

It wasn’t a single performance. It was a traveling celebration.

On Friday, Feb. 13, Linden Public Schools marked Lunar New Year 2026 with a vibrant districtwide cultural tour that brought nearly 60 student performers from Linden High School to five schools in one day — transforming routine assemblies into immersive celebrations of heritage, artistry and unity.

The celebration began at School No. 5 before moving to School No. 6 and then to School No. 1 just ahead of lunch. The day concluded at McManus Middle School and Soehl Middle School, ensuring students across grade levels experienced the traditions, symbolism and spectacle of the Lunar New Year.

The celebration drew district leaders and administrators throughout the day, including Board President Malaysia Thomas, Human Resources Director Dr. Kayla Lott, Principal Dave Walker and staff, along with leaders from the Multilingual Learners Department — underscoring the district’s commitment to cultural inclusion and global learning opportunities.

Each 30-minute showcase opened with the commanding pulse of taiko drumming by the Linden High School Music Department.

“Let’s feel the rhythm of the drums and celebrate the strength and unity of the new year,” organizers told the crowd as percussionists delivered a powerful, synchronized performance that echoed through each gymnasium.

The energy shifted gracefully as the Linden High School Chinese and Asian Club presented a fan dance set to the Hebei folk song Flying Kites, known for its lively melody and strong regional character. Fans fluttered in sweeping motions, mirroring kites dancing across open skies and introducing younger students to the cultural storytelling embedded in traditional folk music.

The LHS Dance Company followed with a ribbon dance symbolizing joy and prosperity. Long strands of vibrant silk carved arcs through the air, representing harmony and renewal for the year ahead.

An umbrella dance set to Quán Shuǐ Dīng Dōng, translated as “Tinkling Spring Water,” transported audiences into a serene landscape. Umbrellas opened in unison like blossoms in early spring, capturing themes of elegance, balance and tranquility.

The program continued with a long ribbon dance set to “The Great Stage of China,” celebrating the richness and diversity of Chinese culture through bold choreography and rhythmic precision.

Throughout the morning and afternoon, nearly 60 students — representing the Chinese and Asian Club, JROTC, the LHS Dance Company, the Music Department and Fine & Performing Arts — worked in seamless coordination to bring the tour to life.

According to Lynn Hu, adviser to the Chinese and Asian Club at Linden High School and lead organizer of the district tour, the event was the result of months of collaboration with the Multilingual Learners Department, JROTC, the Dance Company and district arts educators.

“Our goal was to create something immersive and joyful that could travel across the district,” Hu said. “We wanted every student, from elementary through middle school, to experience the culture, music and symbolism of Lunar New Year in a meaningful way.”

The grand finale delivered the most electric moments of the day.

As two dragons — one predominantly yellow, the other red — surged into each packed gymnasium, students rose to their feet. Eyes widened. Hands flew into the air. The dragons dipped, twisted and snapped in precise, rhythmic motion, weaving through aisles and bowing playfully before the crowd.

The spectacle blended centuries-old tradition with pure childhood wonder.

In addition to music and dance, students showcased traditional attire in a Qípáo and Hànfú presentation, highlighting garments that reflect centuries of Chinese history and craftsmanship.

District officials said the celebration reflects Linden’s expanding Chinese language program, which includes Linden High School, McManus and Soehl middle schools, and elementary schools No. 1, No. 5 and No. 6.

By bringing high school performers directly into younger students’ schools, organizers fostered cross-grade mentorship while deepening cultural literacy across the district.

The program concluded at each stop with a traditional Mandarin greeting:

“Xīnnián kuàilè!” — Happy New Year.