Spring into Chinese New Year
From dragon dances to the distribution of money in red envelopes, this festival is steeped in tradition.
Year of the Horse highlights
The Spring Festival for 2026 begins on 17 February and finishes on 3 March.
It’s a big deal in Sydney, where Lunar Festival celebrations will run from 14 February to 1 March.
Perth will hold its Under the Red Lanterns event on 14 February, Brisbane will play host to the BrisAsia Festival from 13-22 February, Adelade will celebrate with a street party on 21 February, and Melbourne has its Chinese Lunar New Year Festival on 22 February.
Many other events will be held across the country at various times in late February and early March.
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is the most important traditional holiday in China and is celebrated by hundreds of millions of people worldwide.
It marks the beginning of the lunar new year, which typically falls between 21 January and 20 February depending on the lunar calendar. The festival lasts about 15 days, culminating in the Lantern Festival.
Preparations begin weeks in advance with house cleaning, which symbolises the removal of bad luck and welcomes good fortune. Families decorate their homes with red paper cuttings and lanterns, as red is the colour traditionally associated with happiness and protection against evil spirits.
The highlight for many who celebrate is a reunion dinner on New Year’s Eve, where families gather to share symbolic dishes. Fish represents abundance, while dumplings signify wealth.
Another cherished custom is giving red envelopes (hongbao) filled with money, especially to children, as a gesture of blessing and prosperity.
Fireworks and lion and dragon dances are common sights, as they are believed to ward off evil and bring luck. The festival ends with the Lantern Festival, where people release lanterns into the sky or float them on water, symbolising hope and renewal.
Chinese New Year also ushers in a new animal sign from the Chinese zodiac, a 12-year cycle featuring Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig. Each sign is associated with specific traits and fortunes.
For example, the Dragon, considered the most auspicious sign, symbolises strength, success, and vitality. People born in Dragon years are thought to be ambitious and charismatic.
The zodiac system also incorporates the Five Elements – Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, and Water – creating a 60-year cycle that is said to influence personality and destiny.
Astrology plays a significant role in cultural practices, from choosing wedding dates to business decisions, as many people believe that aligning with favourable zodiac signs brings harmony and prosperity.
This will be the Year of the Fire Horse, combining the Horse’s natural vigour with the dynamic influence of the Fire element.
The Horse is the seventh sign in the 12-year cycle, symbolising energy, independence, and adventure.
The Fire element adds intensity and passion, making Fire Horse years rare and powerful. The last occurred in 1966.
Zodiac traits for Fire Horses include charisma, enthusiasm, boldness, and potential impulsiveness.
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