By Anne Howard | Culture Desk
Today, Feb. 17, 2026, the Year of the Fire Horse begins. Across San Francisco and Los Angeles, firecrackers are already echoing, red lanterns sway overhead, and families gather to welcome one of the most dynamic and rare zodiac years in the Chinese calendar. For residents in both cities, the occasion is not just another New Year celebration. It is a historic moment.
Here is why: The Fire Horse comes around only once every 60 years. The Fire Horse last appeared in 1966 and won’t reappear until 2086. In Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes strength, endurance, and aspiration. When paired with the fire element, the year is believed to ignite leadership, boldness, passion, and powerful forward momentum.
From Chinatown streets to coastal light shows, California is stepping into a year defined by courage and energy.
Chinese New year Photo Courtesy of Tommao Wang
San Francisco: The Celebration Is Underway
In San Francisco, the energy is already building.
Firecrackers lit up Chinatown, San Francisco, this morning to officially usher in the New Year. The Flower Market Fair over the weekend drew crowds stocking up on blossoms and kumquats believed to attract prosperity.
Now anticipation is mounting for one of the city’s most iconic spectacles.
Events For You To Attend
Chinese New Year Parade
March 7, 2026, 5:15 p.m.
2nd and Market Streets
One of the largest and oldest night-illuminated parades in North America, the 2026 San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade transforms downtown into a river of glowing floats, dragon dancers, and fireworks. If you plan to attend, mark your calendar now. The streets will fill quickly.
Zodiac on Parade
Through March 15, 2026
Specially designed horse statues are on display across San Francisco, giving residents the chance to celebrate the 2026 zodiac symbol throughout the city.
Today is the perfect day to begin exploring.
Los Angeles: Two Weeks of Festivities
In Los Angeles, celebrations stretch across the county through the end of the month.
Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation Events
Feb. 12 to 28
Lion dances, arts and crafts, and cultural performances are taking place in parks throughout the region, making it easy for families to participate close to home.
Port of Los Angeles — 12th Annual Lunar New Year Festival
The free, family-friendly event features cultural showcases, artistic demonstrations, and a drone show with a firecracker-style finale. It blends long-standing tradition with modern spectacle.
Pacific Wheel Light Show
Special Lunar New Year light displays illuminate the Pacific Wheel at Santa Monica Pier, glowing in celebratory colors against the night sky.
Photo by bi Nguyễn
What Is Lunar New Year?
Also known as Chinese New Year or the Spring Festival, Lunar New Year marks the reset of the zodiac cycle on the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar. The celebration lasts 15 days and is observed across Asia, including China, Korea, Vietnam, Mongolia, and Tibet, as well as in major cities worldwide.
The holiday centers on renewal. Families clear away bad luck, reunite for meaningful meals, share symbolic dishes, and wish prosperity upon loved ones.
And it starts today.
How Residents Are Marking the Moment
Across both cities, traditions are unfolding in real time:
- People are getting fresh haircuts as a sign of good luck.
- Dumplings are prepared to symbolize wealth.
- Red envelopes are exchanged to bless children and elders.
- Lanterns are hung to represent hope.
- Firecrackers are ignited to clear away misfortune.
At its heart, Lunar New Year is about togetherness. Families gather for meals meant to bring health and prosperity. Friends reconnect. Communities celebrate resilience and renewal.
Today, Feb. 17, marks the official beginning.
The Fire Horse has arrived. The energy is bold. The streets are alive.
If you have been waiting to participate, this is your moment.
INFORMATION
San Francisco Events
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Chinese New Year Parade (official organizer site): https://chineseparade.com/
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Zodiac on Parade (official public art project info): https://chineseparade.com/horseonparade/
Both links are hosted by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce of San Francisco, the primary organizer of the parade and related Lunar New Year events.
Los Angeles Area Events
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Port of Los Angeles 12th Annual Lunar New Year Festival event page: https://portoflosangeles.org/community/events/lunar-new-year-festival
(This is the official Port site with details for the Feb. 21 festival.) -
LA County Parks Lunar New Year celebration page: https://parks.lacounty.gov/lunar-new-year/
Main Photo Courtesy “The Year of the Horse (Gung Hey Fat Choi)” by Bev Goodwin
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