The Chinese New Year 2026: meaning, traditions and how it is celebrated in Spain

Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, is one of the most important cultural celebrations in the world. Each year marks the beginning of a new cycle according to the Chinese lunar calendar and is celebrated not only in China, but also in many countries with significant Chinese communities, including Spain.

In this article, we explain what Chinese New Year is, how the date is calculated, what the zodiac animals mean, what the most important traditions are, and what we can expect from Chinese New Year 2026.

When is Chinese New Year and how is the date calculated?

Unlike the Western calendar, Chinese New Year is governed by the lunar calendar. The date is determined by the second new moon after the winter solstice, so it can vary each year between late January and mid-February.
📅 In 2026, Chinese New Year begins on 17 February and the celebrations last for about 15 days, until the Lantern Festival.

Which animal represents the Chinese New Year 2026?

The year 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse.
In Chinese astrology, each year is represented by one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, combined with one of the five elements (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water), forming a complete cycle of 60 years.

Meaning of the Fire Horse
The Horse symbolises:

• Energy
• Movement
• Independence
• Adventurous spirit

The Fire element adds intensity, passion and action. Traditionally, it is associated with a dynamic year of rapid change, opportunities and bold decisions. In short, a year to move forward… or be left behind.

The animals of the Chinese zodiac

The Chinese zodiac cycle consists of these 12 animals:
Rat · Ox · Tiger · Rabbit · Dragon · Snake · Horse · Goat · Monkey · Rooster · Dog · Pig
Each animal has associated personality traits and is believed to influence the character of people born under its sign and the overall energy of the year.

Chinese New Year traditions and customs

Chinese New Year is not celebrated on a single day. It is a series of family, social and cultural rituals designed to attract good luck, prosperity and health.

Family reunion dinner
The night before the start of the year is the most important. Families gather to share a large dinner with symbolic dishes such as:

• Fish (abundance)
• Dumplings (wealth)
• Whole chicken (family unity)

Red decorations
Red is the dominant colour because it symbolises luck and protection against bad energy. Lanterns, envelopes, posters and red clothing fill the streets and homes.

Red envelopes (hongbao)
Red envelopes containing money are given out, especially to children and young people, as a symbol of good wishes and protection for the new year.
Dragon and lion dances
These traditional dances, accompanied by drums and firecrackers, seek to ward off evil spirits and attract prosperity.

Fireworks
The noise has a purpose: to scare away bad luck. The more noise, the better the omen… at least according to tradition.

How Chinese New Year is celebrated in other countries

Although its origins are Chinese, Chinese New Year is celebrated in many Asian countries and in Chinese communities around the world.
In Spain, the celebrations are becoming increasingly visible:

• Madrid organises parades, cultural activities and gastronomic events, especially in neighbourhoods with a strong Chinese presence.
• Barcelona combines tradition and multiculturalism with shows and fairs.
• Valencia and Salamanca stand out for their cultural weeks, lanterns, workshops and events open to the public.

These celebrations have become a meeting point between cultures.

How many Chinese people live in Spain?

Currently, more than 220,000 people of Chinese origin reside in Spain, making this community one of the largest among the foreign population.
The largest concentration is found in Madrid and Barcelona, although the Chinese community is present throughout practically the entire country, actively contributing to commerce, gastronomy, and cultural life.

Interesting facts about Chinese New Year

• In Vietnam, the rabbit of the Chinese zodiac is replaced by a cat.
  During the first days of the year, you should not sweep the house, so as not to ‘sweep away’ good luck.
• Wearing red is considered especially auspicious at the beginning of the year.
• Each combination of animal and element is only repeated every 60 years.

Chinese New Year is much more than a holiday: it is a celebration of renewal, family and hope. The Year of the Fire Horse 2026 invites us to move forward, make decisions and face new challenges with energy and determination. Whether celebrated in Beijing, Madrid or around a family table, its message is universal: start again with intention and strength.