Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is the most important traditional festival for Singapore’s Chinese community. Its origins lie in ancient Chinese seasonal and agricultural observances that welcomed the beginning of a new lunar year, honored ancestors, and expressed hopes for prosperity, health, and family harmony. Over time, the festival incorporated legends, symbolic foods, red decorations, temple practices, and customs associated with the Chinese zodiac. In 2026, Chinese New Year begins on 17 February, ushering in the Year of the Horse; more specifically, traditional zodiac calculations identify 2026 as the Year of the Fire Horse.

During the holiday, people visit relatives and friends, exchange mandarin oranges, and give red packets, or ang bao, traditionally containing money for children and unmarried younger family members. Lion and dragon dances, temple visits, cultural performances, festive bazaars, and public celebrations such as Chinatown festivities and River Hongbao reflect Singapore’s multicultural adaptation of Chinese New Year traditions. Many businesses close or operate on reduced hours during the first two days, while families observe customs intended to preserve good fortune, such as avoiding arguments and refraining from sweeping on the first day. Common greetings include “Gong Xi Fa Cai” (wishing you prosperity), “Xin Nian Kuai Le” (Happy New Year), and “Wan Shi Ru Yi” (may everything go as you wish).