ARE YOU A HORSE?
THE CHINESE NEW YEAR CALENDAR
The Lunar New Year is not celebrated on the same fixed date each year like New Year in the Western world. This is because it follows the lunar calendar, where the date of the New Year is determined by the cycles of the moon and therefore changes annually.
YEAR OF THE HORSE: 17 February 2026 to 5 February 2027
The Lunar New Year 2026 begins on 17 February, marking the start of the Year of the Fire Horse — a year defined by movement, momentum and bold new beginnings.
The five Chinese elements are Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal and Water. In 2026, the Horse is governed by Fire, amplifying passion, creativity and visibility — qualities reflected in the festival’s bold performances, lively sounds and radiant atmosphere along the waterfront.
The Horse is a symbol of energy, freedom and forward motion. In 2026, the Fire Horse brings a powerful surge of creativity, confidence and action — encouraging us to move decisively, embrace change and charge into the year with purpose.
These qualities will be brought to life across the Wellington Lunar New Year Festival programme, as the city’s waterfront transforms into a dynamic playground of colour, culture and connection, with the iconic Fireworks Display on Saturday, 21 February. The city’s waterfront will be transformed into a place filled with food, performance and community participation on Festival Day on Sunday, 22 February. Family-friendly activities provide plenty of opportunities for people of all ages to join the celebration, mirroring the horse’s love of open ground and shared journeys.
From bustling food stalls to handcrafted wares, and colourful performances to interactive experiences, the festival encourages everyone to saddle up and be part of the ride.
YEARS OF THE HORSE
1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE HORSE
People born in the Year of the Horse are energetic, warm-hearted and independent. They thrive in social settings, value freedom and move forward with purpose.
Strengths: Enthusiastic, outgoing, quick-thinking, optimistic
Weaknesses: Impatient, impulsive, restless
Good match: Tiger, Dog
Challenging match: Rat, Ox
Lucky colours: Red, orange, purple
Lucky numbers: 2, 3, 7
Famous horse people include Jackie Chan and Hiroyuki Sanada — artists whose careers reflect the Horse’s bold spirit and unstoppable momentum.
Others born in the Year of the Horse include Paul McCartney, Aretha Franklin, Jackie Chan, Neil Armstrong, Harrison Ford, Denzel Washington, and Keisha Castle-Hughes.
As Wellington gallops into the Year of the Fire Horse, the Lunar New Year Festival invites everyone to gather on the waterfront, feel the energy build and celebrate a year that promises motion, connection and joy.