Vietnamese New Year celebrations during the weekend brought students together to share in and teach their culture.

Vietnamese culture is a tradition of more than 4,000 years, said Xuan-Nhi Cao, president of the Vietnamese Student Association. The organization does not want Vietnamese communities in America to forget their culture even though they may be thousands of miles away, Cao reminded the audience between performances in the Great Hall of the Memorial Union on Friday.

“It is very important that young people in our community do not forget our culture,” Cao said.

The night opened with perhaps the most anticipated event, the Lion Dance. As the drums pulsated on-stage, four members of the Malaysian Crew dressed in lion costumes came from either side of the back of the room.

As the lions played and fought on-stage, the crowd sat in awe cheering as the lions’ antics grew until they laid down to rest.

The celebration continued with performances ranging from the Kitchen God skit to traditional songs sung in Vietnamese by members of the Vietnamese Student Association.

Two dance groups, the Hoover Dancers and the ISU Dancers, were some of the main attractions, performing several Vietnamese dances dressed in their traditional attire.

“We haven’t slept for three days to put on this show for you, and we are glad you all came,” said Cao, junior in apparel merchandising, design and production.

During the celebration, Cao wished for business to be good and for families to prosper in the coming year.

The event closed with a fashion show put on by members of the Vietnamese Student Association and Hoover students. Dinner was also served. The celebration did not end, however. Following the main events, performers and audience members were invited to stay for a dance.