Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Lunar New Year Begins With Year of the Fire Horse as Paris Festivities Get Underway

UNESCO’s 2024 listing underscores the celebration’s global cultural stature.

Overview

  • The 15‑day festival opened on Tuesday, 17 February, ushering in the once‑every‑60‑years Fire Horse cycle, which last occurred in 1966, and runs through 3 March.
  • In Paris, the Belleville lantern festival is scheduled for 21–22 February, and the traditional parade in the 13th arrondissement will take place on Sunday, 1 March along routes including Avenue de Choisy and Avenue d'Ivry.
  • Customs highlighted in coverage include red decorations, lanterns, firecrackers and fireworks, along with dragon and lion dances and home cleanings before celebrations.
  • The Chinese New Year was inscribed on UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2024.
  • Paris restaurants are marking the occasion with special menus, including LiLi at The Peninsula (288 € on 16 February), Shang Palace (198 € from 12–17 February), Imperial Treasure (228 € through 3 March) and Red Katz (108 € on 17 February).