By Eleanor Wong
The Lunar new year is soon upon us again and this year it is the turn of the Horse. On 17th February 2026 anybody born in 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942, 1930 or 1918 will be celebrating their year in the Chinese zodiac. In the traditional zodiac story the horse came 7th in the Great Race, after being surprised by the sneaky snake wrapped around it’s ankle. The snake had hitched a ride the whole way, letting the horse take it close to the finish line, before uncoiling, causing the horse to leap backwards in shock. The snake took 6th place, just in front of the horse.
People born in the year of the horse often display a real independent nature and a love of freedom. Their boundless energy is infectious and their commitment to working hard means they can always get a lot done! They are innately confident and sociable, entertaining others with their quick wit and charming character. They display a high level of intelligence and know themselves well. They crave adventure and don’t do well having to adhere to strict routines. They struggle to show patience or restraint and can be viewed as stubborn, lacking in patience and even self-centred. Horses do not like to feel trapped in or restrained in any way, but when given the freedom they desire will make a smooth, rapid road to success!
2026 Horse image hola.com
Whether you are celebrating your own sign or that of the ‘Horses’ you know, it’s a fantastic time of year to enjoy all the festivities that surround the Lunar New Year. An important festival celebrated all over the world with delicious food and age old traditions. Families will gather together and spend time with those they love. Old clothes and hair styles make way for new ones, before the new year is here. Houses are cleaned of dirt and old negative energy, in order to make way for fresh, positivity in the new year. Children receive gifts of money in red envelopes and decorations of lanterns and lucky red banners are hung throughout the streets and homes.
As with all celebrations in the lunar calendar, food plays a huge part. Friends and family alike get together to enjoy extravagant banquets of traditional foods, lots representing good luck, wealth and prosperity. A huge variety of dumplings will be eaten, alongside whole fish, whole chicken, noodles and spring rolls.
You can enjoy these amazing foods and more at Chung Ying in the heart of Birmingham’s China town.
If you would like to spend a day enjoying music and entertainment to celebrate the year of the horse, then join around 40,000 people in China Town in Birmingham on Sunday 21st February, where the Birningham Chinese Festival Committee and The Hippodrome will be putting on a magnificent show. There will be back-to-back acts, including traditional Chinese dance and music. There will be activities for the children and plenty of food stalls to choose from. Check out the link below for all of the exciting details;
Chinese Festival Committee Birmingham
All that is left to say is “Kung Hey Fat Choi!”
Congratulations and best wishes for a prosperous new year.
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