Today, Tuesday, Feb. 17, marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year, sometimes called Chinese New Year. This is the year of the horse and follows the year of the snake. Here's what you should know. The Lunar New Year begins Feb. 17, 2026. The Lunar New Year starting Tuesday, Feb. 17, will end Feb. 5, 2027, according to chinesenewyear.net.

Celebrations of Lunar New Year and Mardi Gras 2026 are happening at the same time on Feb. 17.

As the Year of the Horse galloped in, revelers ushered in the most prominent festival on the lunar calendar with some quirks – from kung fu robots to Harry Potter’s teenage nemesis – and some reflection.

This week is packed with holidays and celebrations. From Mardi Gras and the Lunar New Year on the day of the solar eclipse, to Lent and Ramadan.

Lunar New Year celebrations are kickstarting today and ushering in the Year of the Horse.

Draco Malfoy, a Hogwarts adversary of Harry Potter in the iconic book series and subsequent films, has become an unlikely icon himself across China in recent weeks, popping up in memes, on billboards and as festive home décor. It’s all thanks to an irresistible bit of wordplay.

NASA astronaut Chris Williams aboard the International Space Station captured a stunning video of Lunar New Year fireworks exploding over China.

An NPR reporter covering the Olympics in Milan takes us on cultural side quests, to a hospitality house and a candy store.

Year of the Horse: The meaning of the Lunar New Year symbol for 2026 - In the Chinese zodiac, a different animal is honoured every year