Lunar New Year 2026 Ushers in Dynamic Year of The Fire Horse on February 17
Lunar New Year 2026 starts February 17 as the Year of the Fire Horse with family reunions and auspicious rituals.
The Lunar New Year, also widely known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, is one of the most significant annual celebrations observed in China and by Chinese communities worldwide. In 2026, the festival begins on February 17, marking the start of a new lunar cycle and ushering in the Year of the Horse.
The festival traditionally spans about 15 days, though the exact duration can extend to 16 days depending on the lunar calendar. While celebrations continue throughout the period, China’s official public holiday typically covers the first week, from February 17 to February 23. The festivities conclude with the Lantern Festival, which will fall on March 3 this year.
According to the Chinese zodiac’s 12-year cycle, 2026 corresponds to the Horse, following the Year of the Snake in 2025 and preceding the Year of the Goat in 2027. Each zodiac year is also associated with one of five elements. In 2026, the heavenly stem “Bing” aligns with the earthly branch “Wu”, making it the Year of the Fire Horse.
Also Read: Greater Noida Civic Apathy Exposed as 3-Year-Old Drowns in Decades-Old Uncleaned Pond
Preparations for the festival begin days in advance and are considered essential for welcoming good fortune. Families thoroughly clean their homes, purchase festive goods, perform rituals, and decorate spaces with red items such as Spring Festival couplets, paper cuttings, and the Chinese character “fu”, symbolising prosperity and luck.
New Year’s Eve, sometimes linked with the Kitchen God tradition in Chinese folklore, is marked by offerings of sweets and an elaborate family reunion dinner. Many households keep their lights on and stay awake through the night in a custom known as “shou sui”, meaning to guard the year. The first day of the new year is typically spent wearing new clothes, visiting relatives, exchanging greetings, and seeking blessings from elders.
Also Read: Baloch Liberation Army Holds 7 Pakistani Army Personnel, Threatens Execution in 7 Days
