2026 Chinese new year: year of horse

By Claudia Ng

In the blink of an eye, 2025 has come to an end. Welcoming 2026, the Chinese culture celebrates another new year distinct from that of the Gregorian calendar.

Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival or Lunar New Year. A cultural event that has been celebrated for over 3000 years, it goes all the way back to the Shang Dynasty. As a ritual to honor ancestors, it included family reunions, feasts, etc., and slowly turned into the Chinese New Year we celebrate today. Now these New Years revolve around 12 Chinese zodiac signs, determined by year of birth, which in order would be Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each zodiac animal represents its own positive traits, and its traditional catchphrase encourages us throughout the year. 

The Chinese often use the Lunar Calendar,  created in the 14th century based on the phases of the moon and the solar year, to mark New Years; which is why Chinese New Year occurs around February rather than January 1st as the Gregorian Calendar marks it. Chinese New Year lasts for 16 days in total, starting from the New Year’s Eve until the 15th day of the new year. 

Taking into account a 60-year cycle (Wood, Fire, Earth Metal, Water) in conjunction with the Chinese Zodiac, 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, officially beginning on the 17th of February, 2026. The Fire Horse is a rare occurrence as it only happens once in 60 years, known for its explosive energies, passion, independence, making this year special. Those born under the Horse sign are said to be energetic, full of spirit and people who need space for self-expression. The previous year was the year of the Snake - its shedding skin a symbol of transformation, whereas Horse represents momentum and collective movement, showing just how fast one can evolve. All in all, the Fire Horse will bring us rapid change and innovation; 2026 will consist of a lasting dynamic energy, allowing incredible transformations to happen. 

Chinese New Year is an important traditional holiday, involving family meals, gatherings, lion/dragon dances, exchanging red packets for luck, and much more. As the year of the Snake is coming to an end, we welcome the Horse and another fresh year begins.