On February 14, 2025, Ms.Wang Kangjing, a teacher from the Confucius Institute at Middle East Technical University along with student volunteers Neva Kızak and İrem Sarı, visited Kavaklıdere Ortaokulu, to present a vibrant and culturally rich Lantern Festival celebration for the teachers and students.

The event began with an engaging and humorous introduction by Ms. Wang, who explained the origins and traditional customs of the Lantern Festival. She detailed activities such as eating tangyuan (sweet glutinous rice balls), dragon and lion dances, lantern displays, and the tradition of solving lantern riddles. Accompanied by vivid videos and images, her presentation helped students vividly imagine the festive atmosphere, making them feel as if they were part of the celebration. During the lantern riddle session, Ms. Wang presented a variety of fun and challenging riddles, and the students eagerly participated, creating a lively and joyful environment.

Following that, Neva Kızak, a third-year student from METU's Chinese elective course, performed an elegant Chinese tea ceremony. Holding delicate tea utensils, she demonstrated the fundamental steps of Chinese tea art. From pouring hot water to brewing the fragrant tea, each movement showcased the refinement and grace of Chinese tea culture. While sipping the fragrant jasmine tea, the teachers and students listened attentively to stories about the harmony of tea and water. Many students expressed keen interest in trying the tea ceremony themselves, excited to experience its charm firsthand.

The event culminated in a hands-on lantern paper-cutting activity. Under the patient guidance of the teachers, the students enthusiastically created unique lantern designs using colorful paper and scissors. Each piece reflected the students' creativity and their best wishes for the festive season. As they exchanged ideas and shared laughter, the classroom was filled with joy and a strong sense of accomplishment through the fun of crafting.

This celebration not only offered students a direct and immersive experience of the Lantern Festival's cultural significance but also created cherished memories through interactive and practical engagement. It added a warm and festive touch to school life. Many participants expressed the hope that more such events would be held in the future, allowing everyone to continue exploring the unique charm of traditional Chinese festivals in an enjoyable and meaningful way.