Lunar New Year Celebrations Bring Quirks and Reflection

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As the Year of the Horse galloped in, revelers ushered in the most prominent festival on the Chinese Lunar calendar with some quirks – from Kung Fu robots to Harry Potter's teenage nemesis – and some reflection. CNN's coverage includes Chinese zodiac predictions, a guide to the holiday, celebrity fortunes, superstitious traditions, and stories of viral Lunar New Year trends.

Why it matters

Lunar New Year is one of the most widely celebrated festivals globally, with traditions and customs that offer insight into Chinese culture and values. The holiday's mix of superstition, entertainment, and community reflection provides a unique window into how people across the world welcome the new year.

The details

CNN's Lunar New Year coverage includes a range of stories, from predictions based on the Chinese zodiac to the unexpected popularity of a sad-looking plush horse toy. The reports explore the cultural significance of traditions like wearing red and lining up at banks, as well as the more whimsical elements, such as Kung Fu-performing robots and Draco Malfoy decorations. The stories also touch on how the holiday is celebrated amid grief, like by survivors of a deadly fire in Hong Kong.

• The Lunar New Year festival began on February 18, 2026, ushering in the Year of the Horse.