Lunar New Year 2577 at Kanisius Schools of Pati

The morning breeze carried the aroma of basket cakes and mandarin oranges in the courtyard of Kanisius Pati Junior High School, Central Java. On Friday, February 13, 2026, the family of Kanisius Pati celebrated Chinese New Year 2577 in a warm and meaningful atmosphere. The celebration featured students from various educational levels, carrying the theme “Stories Unite, Blessings Arise.” The event emphasized Ignatian educational values and strengthened unity in diversity. Representatives of the Pati Regent and the Pati Military District Command were also present, delivering messages of tolerance and togetherness.

Harmony Parade: Red, Gold, and Javanese Gamelan Orchestra
At exactly 8:00 a.m., the opening parade began with the sound of drums and cheers. A red-and-gold line was seen with a “Gong Xi Fa Cai” banner from students at Kanisius Yos Soedarso Pati High School. Kindergarten and preschool children looked cute in Chinese New Year costumes, accompanied by high school students. The marching band from Kanisius Juwana Junior High School performed energetically, followed by confident students from elementary and junior high schools. The parade closed with a gamelan performance by the Kanisius Pati Junior High School. The parade route covered Jalan Sudirman, Jalan Kamandowo, Jalan K. H. Wachid Hasyim, and Jalan Dr. Sutomo. The students received symbolic red envelopes containing motivational messages for studying in the Year of Intelligence. This parade taught respect for diversity.

The Thrilling Music and Lion Dance
The grandeur of the event began when the Kanisius Juwana Junior High School marching band, in blue uniforms, performed a medley of Chinese New Year songs, including “Gong Xi Gong Xi.” The atmosphere became even more festive with the lion dance performance by Kanisius Kudus Junior High School, featuring acrobatic movements and interactions with the children. The tradition of giving red envelopes to the lion dancers became an important moment for giving thanks and making wishes for the new year. Performances by bands from various school units also added to the excitement, demonstrating that art is a universal language.

Cici-Koko Fashion Show: the Tradition that Meets Creativity
The highlight of the event was an eye-catching cici-koko (Chinese boys and girls) fashion show. The students appeared confident on the red carpet, wearing traditional Chinese and Indonesian batik clothing. The kindergarteners wore red-and-gold mini costumes symbolizing abundance. The elementary school students looked elegant with accessories, the junior high school students wore dynamic designs, and the high school students wore elegant silk scarves. The spotlight from teachers, parents, and guests continued to shine on the stage. Accompanied by a food and craft bazaar, the event became a fun cultural learning experience.

Finding God in the Culture
Towards noon, the event closed with a prayer that reminded participants to find God in all things, including cultural diversity. This celebration showed that differences enrich our lives together. The symbolism of the Chinese New Year regarding togetherness and gratitude aligns with the spirit of Kanisius education. The Chinese New Year 2577 celebration was a success and left a warm impression on the participants, strengthening the bond of the Kanisius family.

Contributor: Arianti Novitasari