Lunar New Year 2026: Paris Celebrates the Year of the Fire Horse

Paris celebrated Lunar New Year 2026 with five major parades across the city, blending traditional lion dances, cultural performances and vibrant street festivities.

The Lunar New Year began on February 17, 2026, ushering in the Year of the Fire Horse. Also known as the Spring Festival or “Têt” in Vietnam, the celebration unfolded across several major Parisian districts, including the 3rd and 13th arrondissements.

From Belleville to the Champs-Élysées, five major parades transformed the French capital with firecrackers, lion dances, dragons and traditional music.

The main parade took place on March 1, 2026, in the 13th arrondissement, running from Rue du Disque through Avenue de Choisy and Avenue d’Ivry. Cultural events leading up to the parade included exhibitions by Hom Nguyen and Zheng Taijun.

In Belleville, the Lantern Parade (February 21–22) featured stage performances and a large Asian food market.

On February 1, the “Happy Spring Festival” parade animated the Champs-Élysées, starting near Fouquet’s Paris and ending at the Arc de Triomphe.

Another procession departed from Place de la République on February 22, featuring decorated floats, lion and dragon dances, and a street food market.

Beyond the spectacle, lion dances symbolize prosperity and protection against evil spirits. These traditions contribute to the international visibility of Asian cultural heritage, recognized as intangible heritage by UNESCO.

Through multiple parades and cultural programming, Paris demonstrates how Lunar New Year has evolved into a major international event reflecting intercultural dialogue and global heritage.