As of 15 February 2026, Canada and the global community are entering the final countdown to the Year of the Horse. While the official Lunar New Year falls on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, major festivities have already ignited across the country, blending ancient agrarian traditions with modern Canadian flair.
The Legend of the Horse: 2026 Zodiac
The Year of the Horse (specifically the Fire Horse in some traditional cycles) represents energy, independence, and rapid progress. In Chinese mythology, the zodiac was established by a “Great Race,” where the Horse secured its place through speed and perseverance. For 2026, many are looking to this symbol as a sign of economic momentum and personal freedom.
Historical Roots and UNESCO Recognition
Tracing back over 3,500 years to the Shang Dynasty, the festival—also known as the Spring Festival or Chunjie—was originally a time to honour deities and ancestors to ensure a bountiful harvest. In a significant modern milestone, UNESCO officially inscribed the Spring Festival on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in late 2024, cementing its status as a global cultural treasure.
Coast-to-Coast Celebrations in Canada
From Vancouver to Montreal, Canadian cities are hosting large-scale events this weekend to usher in the new moon:
- Toronto: The Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is hosting Family Day weekend events featuring lion dances and traditional music. Tech-integrated displays in the downtown core are blending augmented reality with traditional red lantern installations.
- Vancouver: Giant Lunar New Year lanterns have returned to the city for the LunarFest festival, creating a luminous path through the Lower Mainland.
- Calgary: The Calgary Chinese Cultural Centre has launched a two-weekend festival featuring martial arts demonstrations and a vibrant marketplace.
- Montreal: Downtown venues are offering five days of exclusive menus, K-pop performances, and traditional folk dances.
Traditions for Prosperity
As families prepare for the 17 February start date, several “dos and don’ts” remain central to the observance:
| Tradition | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Reunion Dinner | The most important meal of the year, gathering family to share symbolic foods like fish (surplus) and dumplings (wealth). |
| Red Envelopes (Hongbao) | Giving money in red packets to children and seniors to pass on good fortune. |
| House Cleaning | Completed before New Year’s Day to sweep away bad luck from the previous year. |
| Avoiding Scissors | Using sharp objects on the first day is traditionally avoided as it is thought to “cut off” the flow of luck. |
Global Context: The Great Migration
Internationally, the 2026 travel season has seen record-breaking numbers. Reports indicate nearly 9.5 billion trips are expected during the 40-day travel period known as Chunyun, as people brave long journeys to reach their ancestral homes for the 15-day celebration, which concludes with the Lantern Festival on the first full moon of the lunar month.
Lead Editor’s Note: Whether you are attending a parade in Chinatown or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, Canada Wire wishes all our readers a prosperous and energetic Year of the Horse.