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Photo AI-generated
Millions of people around the world marked the start of the Lunar New Year with fireworks, temple visits and vibrant street celebrations as the Year of the Fire Horse officially began.
The Lunar New Year follows the first new moon of the lunar calendar and unfolds over 15 days, typically between January 21 and February 20. It is the most significant annual holiday in China and is widely observed across East Asia and in diaspora communities worldwide.
This year’s festivities usher in the Year of the Horse, replacing the Year of the Snake in the 12-animal Chinese zodiac cycle. The horse is often associated with energy, movement and strength, while the fire element symbolizes passion and drive.
In China, large crowds gathered at temples to burn incense and pray for prosperity, health and success in the year ahead. The annual CCTV Spring Festival gala once again served as a centerpiece of the celebrations. Among its standout performances was a martial arts routine featuring children alongside humanoid robots developed by Unitree Robotics, which demonstrated synchronized movements and sword choreography.
Across Asia, traditions unfolded in diverse ways.
In Hong Kong, worshippers lined up at temples before midnight, clutching incense sticks and bowing repeatedly before placing them into large burners outside temple halls. In Beijing, lion dancers performed at historic temple grounds as visitors prayed and offered incense.
Vietnam welcomed the new year with Tet festivities that included outdoor countdown concerts, fireworks displays across multiple cities and colorful public light shows illuminating bridges and skyscrapers. Live music performances drew cheering crowds as fireworks punctuated the night sky.
In Taipei, the resonant tolling of a temple bell rang out 108 times at Baoan Temple — a number considered auspicious — as worshippers lit incense and laid floral offerings on outdoor tables.
Celebrations also reached far beyond Asia.
In Moscow, snowy streets were decorated with red lanterns and dragon motifs as a two-week festival commenced. Visitors sampled Chinese cuisine from market stalls and strolled through themed installations.
In Manila’s Binondo district, recognized as the world’s oldest Chinatown, performers staged lion dances and fire-breathing acts to enthusiastic crowds. Meanwhile, in Liverpool, a racehorse named Nora The Xplorer made an appearance in Chinatown as part of the United Kingdom’s festivities.
In Buenos Aires, thousands gathered in the Argentine capital’s Chinatown for dragon and lion dances and martial arts demonstrations. Argentina’s Chinese immigrant community, numbering more than 180,000, played a central role in organizing the event.
Traditional customs remained central to the observance. Families exchanged red envelopes filled with money — symbols of prosperity and good fortune — while prayers and offerings reflected hopes for renewal in the year ahead.
From temple bells in Taiwan to fireworks in Vietnam and lantern-lit streets in Europe and South America, the Year of the Fire Horse began with a blend of solemn ritual and exuberant celebration across continents.