CHICAGO, Jan. 18 (Xinhua) -- The Confucius Institute at Western Michigan University (WMU) will host a Chinese New Year's gala on Jan. 26 to celebrate the Year of the Pig, a news release posted on the school's website said on Friday.

WMU's celebration will use performances, games and prize drawings to give attendees a taste of what a new year's festival looks and feels like in China, according to the news release.

The event features live entertainment, including songs, dances, poetry recitals and folk music. Performances are given by Confucius Institute instructors and students in Confucius Institute language programs, as well as teachers from local high schools.

"The Chinese New Year Gala is a chance to showcase their achievements," said Zeng Ying, director of the Confucius Institute that was established in 2009 through a partnership with Beijing Language and Culture University.

"In China, the new year is also a time for family and friends to gather. The gala is a chance for family and all of our friends in the community to see the students and their teachers perform and to experience Chinese culture in the process," said Zeng, also director of Asian initiatives at WMU.

Along with live entertainment, the gala will include activities such as the game of chopsticks. Traditional dishes will be offered at the event to give guests a taste of Chinese cuisine.

The Chinese New Year, or Spring Festival, falls on Feb. 5, 2019.