Members of the Pusaka Tantra school and local residents parade through the streets of Kuta, Bali, performing the Barongsai lion dance on Feb. 16, 2026. The ritual is intended to symbolically cleanse the neighborhood of negative energy for the New Year. Indonesia celebrates the Lunar New Year, locally called Imlek, which in 2026 ushers in the Year of the Fire Horse. Source: SIPA USA / Nicola Longobardi/Nicola Longobardi/Middle East Images/StringersHub/Sipa USA
The Lunar New Year has commenced with vibrant celebrations across Asia and beyond, marking the arrival of the 'Year of the Horse'. From fireworks and temple prayers to bustling markets and lantern festivals, communities worldwide embraced traditions centred on family, prosperity, and renewal. Leaders and cultural voices highlighted themes of resilience and hope, as diaspora communities carried the festivities across continents, reinforcing the festival’s enduring message of unity, heritage, and optimism for the year ahead.
The Lunar New Year has commenced with vibrant celebrations across Asia and beyond, marking the arrival of the 'Year of the Horse'. From fireworks and temple prayers to bustling markets and lantern festivals, communities worldwide embraced traditions centred on family, prosperity, and renewal. Leaders and cultural voices highlighted themes of resilience and hope, as diaspora communities carried the festivities across continents, reinforcing the festival’s enduring message of unity, heritage, and optimism for the year ahead.
