Trotting into the New Year

Performers dancing with inflatable horses during a night parade celebrating the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Horse in Hong Kong. — Reuters

Across continents, the Lunar New Year of the Fire Horse sparked fireworks, festive cheer and wishes for a brighter year ahead.

Lion dancers perform outside Emsphere shopping mall on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Horse, in Bangkok on February 17, 2026. (Photo by Lillian SUWANRUMPHA / AFP)

Lion dancers outside a shopping mall on the first day of the Lunar New Year of the Fire Horse, in Bangkok, Thailand. — AFP

Members of the Chinese community participate during the lion dance to mark Lunar New Year celebrations in Kolkata, India, February 17, 2026. REUTERS/Sahiba Chawdhary

Members of the Chinese community celebrating with a lively lion dance during Lunar New Year festivities in Kolkata, India. — Reuters

Students from the Confucius Institute take part in a traditional dance performance during celebrations marking the Chinese Lunar New Year in Nairobi, on February 8, 2026, ahead of the upcoming Lunar New Year of the Horse. (Photo by Luis TATO / AFP)

Students from the Confucius Institute performing a traditional dance marking the Chinese Lunar New Year in Nairobi, Kenya. — AFP

Devotees praying at a temple in Chinatown, Yangon, Myanmar, welcoming the Lunar New Year. — AP

Visitors snapping photos of red lanterns adorning the Ditan Temple Fair during Lunar New Year celebrations in Beijing, China. — AP

Worshippers and locals preparing lanterns for Lunar New Year celebrations at a temple in Badung, Bali, Indonesia. — AP

Fire performers carrying a dragon through a molten iron fireworks display known as ‘fire dragon steel flowers’ ahead of Lunar New Year celebrations at an amusement park near Beijing, China. — AP

People touching the lion dance performers for good luck in front of the Ruins of Saint Paul’s during Lunar New Year festivities in Macau. — AFP