Tradition and Technology Mark the Arrival of the Year of the Horse

Millions of people across Asia and in communities around the world welcomed the Year of the Horse with prayers, technological spectacles, fireworks, and large-scale celebrations that reflected both the depth of ancient traditions and the modern character of the societies that observe them.

The Lunar New Year, widely regarded as the most important holiday in the traditional Chinese calendar, marks the beginning of a new zodiac cycle. This year corresponds to the horse, one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, succeeding the Year of the Snake. For days, entire cities are transformed into stages of spiritual devotion, family reunions, and cultural displays that blend the old with the new.

Robots Take Center Stage on China’s Gala Broadcast

In mainland China, the festivities featured one of the year’s most anticipated televised events: the Spring Festival Gala broadcast by China Central Television (CCTV). The annual program, watched by hundreds of millions, once again delivered a performance that fused tradition with cutting-edge innovation.

One of the evening’s most talked-about segments was a martial arts display featuring children alongside humanoid robots developed by Unitree Robotics. For several minutes, the machines executed carefully choreographed routines with striking precision and even wielded swords, underscoring China’s rapid progress in robotics and artificial intelligence.

The inclusion of robots in such a traditional celebration symbolized the country’s ambition to lead in advanced technologies. At the same time, the gala preserved classic cultural elements such as folk dances, popular songs, and theatrical performances conveying wishes for prosperity and good fortune in the year ahead.

Midnight Devotion in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, thousands gathered at temples before midnight to perform rituals believed to bring good luck. At the iconic Wong Tai Sin Temple, dense clouds of incense smoke rose into the night air as worshippers held burning sticks and bowed repeatedly before placing them in large urns facing the altar.

Many waited for hours to offer prayers at the precise moment the new year began, believing that timing enhances the symbolic power of their wishes. Among the crowd were celebrants wearing horse-themed accessories in honor of the zodiac animal presiding over the new cycle.

Fireworks and Festivities in Vietnam

In Vietnam, where the holiday is known as Tết, the celebration featured open-air concerts and fireworks displays that illuminated the skies of major cities. Bridges and skyscrapers became canvases of colorful light while performers sang to cheering crowds who clapped along to live pop music.

The festive atmosphere was complemented by family traditions, including thorough home cleaning, the preparation of special dishes, and offerings at household altars to honor ancestors. The synchronized bursts of fireworks symbolized the farewell to the old year and the hopeful embrace of new beginnings.

Celebrations in Moscow Reflect Growing Ties

The festivities extended to Moscow, where street fairs and cultural events were organized across multiple venues in the Russian capital over two weeks. Snow-covered streets were decorated with red lanterns and dragon figures as visitors sampled Chinese cuisine at temporary stalls.

This marked the third consecutive year of official Lunar New Year celebrations in Moscow, reflecting strengthening ties between Russia and China. The program included artistic performances and family-friendly activities that attracted both members of the Chinese diaspora and local residents eager to learn more about the tradition.

108 Bell Tolls in Taiwan

In Taiwan, the day began with a solemn ritual at Baoan Temple in Taipei. A temple bell rang 108 times—a number considered auspicious in Buddhism and associated with spiritual purification. Each toll represents the cleansing of one of the 108 worldly desires or worries.

From early morning, worshippers lit incense, bowed in prayer, and placed vibrant bouquets on outdoor tables within the temple grounds. The ceremony blended reverence with hope, highlighting the spiritual dimension of the Lunar New Year’s arrival.

Argentina Joins the Celebration

Across the globe, thousands gathered in Buenos Aires’ Chinatown to take part in the festivities. Argentina is home to one of Latin America’s most dynamic Chinese communities, numbering more than 180,000 people nationwide.

On the main stage, performers presented traditional dragon and lion dances alongside martial arts demonstrations that captivated families and visitors. Local shops offered festive foods and holiday goods, while red lanterns and decorations lined the streets.

The enthusiastic participation of Argentines from diverse backgrounds illustrated how the Lunar New Year has transcended cultural boundaries to become a multicultural celebration. Beyond its Asian origins, the holiday has evolved into an opportunity for cross-cultural exchange and shared celebration.

A Bridge Between Past and Future

From quiet temple prayers to robots performing on prime-time television, the Lunar New Year once again demonstrated its remarkable ability to adapt to modern times without losing its essence. The Year of the Horse begins under symbols traditionally associated with energy, determination, and forward movement.

Whether marked by the solemn ringing of bells, the brilliance of fireworks, or heartfelt wishes offered in prayer, the celebration unites millions in a shared hope for health, prosperity, and harmony in the year ahead.