On Tuesday, February 21st , for the first time, PKU Shenzhen Chinese and international students, faculty and staff members celebrated the international holiday of Mardi Gras. Mardi Gras - or Fat Tuesday - has been celebrated for centuries around the world and in particular in Brazil, the United States and Europe; now, PKU Shenzhen is bringing the holiday to China. Traditionally, during this day, people indulge in sweet food, carnival and merriness before the Christian period of fasting known as Lent.
Students, faculty and staff gathered on Tuesday night to learn how to make crepes, a French style pancake, created their own Mardi Gras masks and played board games. The trick of flipping the crepes in the air with a frying pan was a sure hit among students! Anne-Sophie Meyer, a French Staff member, led them in crepe-making.
HSBC Professor Marc Idelson brought many board games for students and staff to play. The games encouraged communication and tested negotiation skills. Staff member Gretta Herrin showed students and staff how to make Mardi Gras masks.
This celebration was organized by the Chancellor’s Secretariat Office and the English Association to encourage communication between international and Chinese students. About 10 international students and staff members attended this party, as well as German staff members from Tsinghua University. Over 20 Chinese students from the English Association and Nanyan News Agency also attended. In the future, the Chancellor’s Secretariat Office and the English Association hope to hold more international activities.
(Students dress their crepes with bananas, strawberries and chocolate)
(Students hard at work making crepes)
(Gretta Herrin of the Chancellor’s Secretariat Office and Xinwen of the English Association show off their masks)
Written Gretta HERRIN
Edited by Anne-Sophie MEYER
Photos by Gretta HERRIN
