San Francisco Celebrates Rare Year of the Fire Horse

City leaders highlight themes of strength, unity and transformation during Chinatown festivities.

Published on Feb. 20, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

San Francisco officials and residents gathered in Chinatown to celebrate the rare Year of the Fire Horse, which occurs only once every 60 years. Mayor Daniel Lurie and other leaders emphasized the need to harness the year's powerful energy and continue working together as a community.

Why it matters

The Year of the Fire Horse is a significant cultural event that only happens once every six decades. San Francisco's Chinatown is one of the largest and most vibrant Chinese communities outside of Asia, making this celebration an important tradition that brings the city together.

The details

During the festivities, Mayor Lurie told the crowd that the Fire Horse symbolizes power, transformation and intense energy that the city must work to channel productively. Other officials, including City Assessor-Recorder Joaquin Torres and Assemblymember Matt Haney, emphasized themes of unity, strength and community. City Attorney David Chiu also alluded to the need to support the city's immigrant populations.

  • The Year of the Fire Horse celebration took place on Tuesday, February 18, 2026.
  • The Year of the Fire Horse occurs only once every 60 years.

The players

Daniel Lurie

The mayor of San Francisco who spoke at the Chinatown celebration, highlighting the significance of the Year of the Fire Horse.

Joaquin Torres

San Francisco's City Assessor-Recorder who greeted the crowd in Cantonese and wished attendees a happy new year.

Matt Haney

A California Assemblymember representing San Francisco who said the rain would not dampen the city's spirits during the Fire Horse celebration.

Connie Chan

A San Francisco Supervisor who said she was born in the Year of the Horse and cited a Chinese saying about the horse symbolizing success and completion.

David Chiu

San Francisco's City Attorney who alluded to the need to support the city's immigrant populations during the celebration.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We have to harness this momentum. We can't let it go too sideways. What we really need to do is continue to work together.”

— Daniel Lurie, Mayor (ktvu.com)

“Together we rise as one community, with one voice, in our power, in our strength.”

— Joaquin Torres, City Assessor-Recorder (ktvu.com)

“There's no way that this rain can stop the Fire Horse. This city is on the rise.”

— Matt Haney, Assemblymember (ktvu.com)

“When the horse arrives, the work is successful and complete.”

— Connie Chan, Supervisor (ktvu.com)

“We need to fight for them. The horse symbolizes standing strong, standing tall and circling the wagons around anyone who dares to take on our Chinese immigrant community.”

— David Chiu, City Attorney (ktvu.com)

What’s next

The city plans to continue celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse with additional events and activities throughout the year, showcasing the community's strength, unity and resilience.

The takeaway

San Francisco's Chinatown community came together to welcome the rare Year of the Fire Horse, a cultural milestone that occurs only once every six decades. City leaders emphasized the need to harness the year's powerful energy and work collaboratively to support the city's diverse populations, highlighting the enduring strength and resilience of this vibrant neighborhood.