The Chinese New Year, also called the Spring Festival, has officially begun, ushering in the Year of the Horse. This annual festival is China’s most significant holiday and is celebrated across Asia, including in countries like Vietnam and South Korea.
The festival lasts 15 days, starting with the new moon and ending on the full moon that follows. In 2026, celebrations begin on February 17 and continue until March 3, concluding with the Lantern Festival. Public holidays in China run through February 23.
The Chinese zodiac, known as Sheng Xiao, rotates in a 12-year cycle of animal signs. Each Lunar New Year marks the transition to the next zodiac animal. The Year of the Snake ended on February 16, and the Year of the Horse has now officially started. The last Year of the Horse was in 2014.
Preparations for the New Year often begin weeks in advance. Families clean their homes to remove bad luck and settle debts, ensuring a fresh start. On New Year’s Eve, relatives gather for a reunion dinner featuring traditional symbolic foods. Popular dishes include dumplings, noodles, and rice cakes, each representing wealth, longevity, and prosperity.
The festival concludes with the Lantern Festival, a colorful event where streets are illuminated with lanterns, and people enjoy solving riddles and engaging in community festivities.
