A millenary celebration that fills Barcelona with culture, tradition and renewed energy
Today, 17 February 2026, marks the beginning of the Chinese New Year and the official start of the Year of the Horse according to the lunar calendar. A millenary celebration that heralds the arrival of spring and symbolises renewal, hope and new beginnings.
In Barcelona, an open and diverse city, this celebration forms part of the cultural calendar and offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with a tradition deeply rooted in values such as family, respect and gratitude.
2026: The Year of the Horse and its symbolism
The Chinese calendar follows twelve-year cycles, each represented by an animal of the zodiac. This 2026 is dedicated to the Horse.
The Horse symbolises energy, freedom, vitality and an entrepreneurial spirit. It is associated with decisive action, independence and the passion to move forward. It is a year that encourages movement, the promotion of new projects and trust in one’s inner strength.
It also represents dynamism and optimism. Under its influence, it is considered a favourable period to embark on new paths, embrace challenges with enthusiasm and move ahead with determination, without losing the elegance and nobility traditionally attributed to this animal in Chinese culture.
Traditions that attract prosperity
Chinese New Year celebrations last for several days and are filled with rituals intended to attract good fortune:
• House cleaning, symbolising the removal of accumulated bad luck.
• Decoration with lanterns and red elements, a colour linked to happiness and prosperity.
• Dragon and lion dances, performed in the streets to attract positive energy.
• The family reunion dinner, one of the most important moments, where each dish carries a meaning related to abundance, longevity or unity.
The exchange of red envelopes containing money expresses wishes for prosperity and success in the new cycle that begins.
Chinese New Year in Barcelona
Each year, Barcelona’s Chinese community organises parades, cultural performances and festive activities, especially around the Arc de Triomf area and in the Eixample district. It is an opportunity to enjoy traditional music, dance, martial arts and typical gastronomy, and to share in a celebration that has become part of the city’s cultural life.
If you are staying at the Hotel Continental Barcelona, located at La Rambla 138, you can comfortably walk down this iconic avenue to the city centre and connect with the main areas where these events are usually held.
Likewise, from the Hotel Continental Palacete, at Rambla de Catalunya 30, in the heart of the Eixample, you will also enjoy privileged access to the cultural activities linked to this festivity.
Both hotels allow you to experience Barcelona through its cultural diversity and human richness.
A year to move forward with energy
The Year of the Horse invites us to act with enthusiasm, to move forward decisively and to trust in our capacity for transformation. In the field of tourism, it can inspire more conscious travel, respecting the cultures that welcome us and appreciating the richness of every tradition.
We encourage you to enjoy this celebration in Barcelona and to be carried away by its colours, music and vibrant energy. May this Year of the Horse be filled with new projects, courageous decisions and shared moments that become unforgettable memories.
More information
We recommend visiting the website of the Fundació Institut Confuci de Barcelona to learn more about the Chinese New Year celebration programme.
Happy Chinese New Year!
