The Lunar New Year is observed on varying dates across different cultures. In China, it is widely referred to as Chinese New Year, though it celebrates the same occasion. What is Chinese New Year called now? Chinese New Year, also referred to as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most significant celebration in China. Chinese New Year in 2025 falls on January 29 and ends with the Lantern Festival on Feb. 12. Celebrations last up to 16 days; the Chinese public holiday lasts from Wednesday to Feb. 4. The Chinese New Year of 2025 falls on January 29th (Wednesday), and will last to February 2nd. It is the Year of Snake. As an official public holiday, Chinese people can get eight days' off from work, from January 28th to February 4th. The Chinese New Year of 2026 falls on February 17th (Tuesday), and will last to February 21th. It is the Year Lanterns glow at Thean Hou Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, during Chinese New Year. Photograph by Amril Izan Imran, Alamy Stock Photo. TRAVEL; Top 10 things to know about Lunar New Year. What is Lunar New Year? Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year or Spring Festival, marks the start of a new zodiac cycle based on the Chinese lunar calendar. Each year, the date shifts within the Gregorian calendar. Lunar New Year is celebrated around the world, particularly in Asian countries like China, shown here (Beijing). Pre-Chinese New Year Preparations and Activities (Jan. 7–Feb. 12, 2025) Jan. 7, 2025: Laba Festival. Some Chinese start to celebrate and prepare for Chinese New Year as early as day 8 of the 12 th month of the lunar calendar. This is a festival called Laba ( 腊八 Làbā /laa-baa/ '12th lunar month' + '8'), in the traditional sense, which Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year or Spring Festival 2025 falls on Wednesday, January 29th, 2025. Snake is the new year animal. Learn more about Chinese Lunar New Year traditions, taboos, food, zodiac signs, and greetings. Laba Festival (Jan. 7, 2025): Old Chinese New Year Calendar Start. Traditionally, the start of the Chinese New Year calendar is 'The Laba Festival' (腊八节 Làbājié), which occurs about three weeks before Chinese New Year's Day and is celebrated separately. Religious activities and preparations for Lunar New Year would begin on this day. The Chinese New Year is an important time to 拜年 (bàinián, to pay a new year call), so it is common practice to visit relatives and exchange auspicious greetings and Chinese gifts, including the ever-popular lucky red envelopes filled with Chinese currency. Devoted Buddhist and Daoist practitioners also often visit local temples to welcome The highlight of the celebration is Chinese New Year's Eve, when families gather for a reunion feast of symbolic foods, including dumplings shaped like ancient Chinese gold ingots that represent wealth, and fish, which in Chinese is a homonym of "abundance." The fish must be only partially eaten because the leftovers signify continuing prosperity. Tickets for the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade are priced between HKD 300 (USD 38.55) and HKD 480 (USD 61.70). The sale begins on January 11 at 8 am on a first-come, first-served basis at the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s visitor centre in Tsim Sha Tsui . Sometimes referred to as the Spring festival or simply the Lunar New Year, Chinese New Year is an important part of Chinese culture that is celebrated passionately throughout the world. The 16-day festival symbolises the start of a new lunar year and takes on one of the 12 Chinese zodiacs, all with individual representations, meanings and This year’s “Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade” will start at 8:00pm on the first day of Chinese New Year. The parade will feature nine floats and a total of 29 performing groups, including 13 local and 16 international groups. Most of the floats will have dragons, portraying the The page brings together details about celebrations across the city in addition to the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade, including the fabulous fireworks display, the Chinese New When combined with the Wood element, 2025 emphasizes adaptability, creativity, and long-term planning. The Wood Snake is believed to bring growth, resilience, and harmony, making it a year well-suited for personal and professional development. The last Year of the Wood Snake occurred in 1965 * The colourful floats from the Cathay International Chinese New Year Night Parade will be on display at Lam Tsuen Wishing Square from 30 January to 13 February, accompanied by wonderful performances from the Mainland China and international artists on 30 and 31 January. The "Happy Chinese New Year" celebration was first organized in Finland in 2007 as a collaboration between the cities of Helsinki and Beijing. Over the past 18 years, it has grown into Finland's largest and most influential celebration of Chinese culture, arts, and cuisine, held annually. The Chinese New Year is regarded as a Chinese-oriented festival, while becoming more celebrated as an international festival. The term Spring Festival, which also point to the Chinese New Year, makes the festival central to Chinese culture and adopted by others. The Spring Festival has long been international. The Snake has slithered in to replace the Year of the Dragon and brands have once again unveiled their luxurious takes on the traditional red packets. In celebration of Chinese New Year, Hypebeast has rounded up a selection of envelopes from some of the most notable brands and fashion houses.
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