Newsletter January
2016: The Chinese Year of the Red Monkey
The Chinese Year of the Red Monkey will start on February 8th 2016 and will end on January 27th 2017.
Based on the Chinese lunar calendar, the New Year has no exact date and it changes every year. It
matches with the first new moon phase of the year. The lunar calendar also defines the 12-year
repeating cycle of the Chinese zodiac; and each year is named after an animal and an element (Metal,
Wood, Fire, Earth and Water).
Chinese New Year, 农历新年 (Nongli Xinnian), has more than 4,000 years of history. Also called Spring Festival, it is the
most important annual event for Chinese people. Unlike its name suggests, the festival is not only observed in China
mainland, but also celebrated in Hong Kong, Taiwan, Asian countries with Chinese communities, and also Chinatowns in
several countries. Although traditions evolve into their unique ways of celebration in each country, Chinese New Year
remains a family event. People take vacations and visit relatives. Following a day-by-day guide, people who celebrate it
have different things to do before the New Year Celebrations. Every family will have a thorough house cleanup and go for
specific shopping. It is believed that for the New Year, it is important to wear new clothes and shoes, of which, the
tradition is still observed till today. At the New Year Eve, people will have grand reunion dinners with families. The dishes
suggest good health, richness and growth. Fire-works are let off too as a form of celebration. During festivities, elders will
give red envelope (monetary gift) to kids and the traditional “dancing dragon” or “lion dance” will take place in towns.
Success Story: Ruben Uchima
Executive Chef at the Embassy of Peru in Washington DC
Why did you choose to learn and study cuisine, pastry, and bakery?
R. Because I am passionate about cuisine and I have never considered this career as a job.
What did the Summer Program of the Institut Paul Bocuse Worldwide Alliance bring and give you?
R. The Summer Program gave me the possibility to apply for better job opportunities and to put in
practice more techniques at different restaurants. This experience has been useful for my future. It
gave me more recognition considering that Institut Paul Bocuse is the best institute where everyone
desires to study at. I am grateful with Institut Paul Bocuse because it gave me the chance to grow as
a professional, to have more professional opportunities and make good friends all over the world.
In few words, how would you summarize this culinary experience?
R. It was a great opportunity to learn about other cultures and their cuisines.
BONUS: In one word, how would you define the Institut Paul Bocuse Worldwide Alliance?
UNIQUE