The Chinese zodiac follows a distinctive twelve-year cycle, and 2026 heralds the Year of the Horse, a creature symbolizing hard work, bravery, and resilience. As the festivities approach, streets and homes will come alive with vibrant decorations, adorned with red lanterns, intricate paper cuttings, and Spring Festival couplets that express hopes for the future. The celebrations commence on February 17, 2026, launching a 15-day Spring Festival rich in tradition. Families will gather for the signature reunion dinner, children will joyfully receive red envelopes, and the air will be filled with the sounds of firecrackers and the excitement of dragon and lion dances, culminating in the Lantern Festival.

Significantly, the Spring Festival was successfully inscribed on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list in 2024. This milestone represents the international community’s recognition of the festival’s cultural universality, which is rooted in the harmony between humanity and nature, centered on the tradition of bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new, and embodies the shared aspiration for a better life. 

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all WASWAC members for your continued support of the association, and we wish you a happy and prosperous Chinese New Year!