On 17 February 2026, participants of the Roots & Routes project gathered in Leiden to celebrate the Lunar New Year, embracing the spirit of new beginnings, cultural exchange, and community connection. The event brought together young people from diverse backgrounds for an evening dedicated to learning, sharing traditions, and discovering the richness of cultures from around the world.

The Lunar New Year is celebrated by millions of people globally and holds deep cultural significance across various countries and communities. As part of the Roots & Routes initiative, the event provided participants with an opportunity to explore the meaning behind these celebrations while engaging in intercultural dialogue and building new connections.

Throughout the evening, participants shared stories about how important celebrations and traditions are observed in their own countries and communities. These exchanges created a welcoming atmosphere where everyone could learn from one another and gain a deeper appreciation for different cultural perspectives.

One of the key objectives of Roots & Routes is to create spaces where local and international young people can come together, celebrate diversity, and develop meaningful relationships. The Lunar New Year event reflected these goals by encouraging curiosity, openness, and mutual respect among participants.

The gathering also highlighted the importance of cultural heritage in bringing people together. Through conversations and shared experiences, participants discovered common values that transcend cultural differences, including family, friendship, community, and hope for the future. These moments demonstrated how intercultural learning can strengthen understanding and create a stronger sense of belonging within diverse communities.

Beyond celebrating the Lunar New Year itself, the event served as another step in building the Roots & Routes community in Leiden. Participants had the opportunity to meet new people, exchange experiences, and become more involved in the project’s upcoming activities. As friendships continued to develop and new connections were formed, the event reinforced the project’s vision of creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.

The celebration also encouraged participants to reflect on the value of cultural exchange in today’s interconnected world. By learning about traditions different from their own, young people were able to broaden their perspectives, challenge stereotypes, and develop a greater appreciation for diversity.

As the Roots & Routes project continues throughout the year, events like the Lunar New Year celebration demonstrate the power of culture to connect people across backgrounds and experiences. Through shared learning, dialogue, and participation, the project continues to create opportunities for young people to build lasting friendships and contribute to a more inclusive community.

The Roots & Routes team looks forward to many more cultural activities in the coming months, bringing together young people through the universal language of curiosity, respect, and human connection.