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TRANSCRIPT
The Lunar New Year has begun, ushering in the Year of the Horse, a festival marked by renewal across Asia and far beyond.
From fireworks lighting Vietnam’s skyline to incense prayers in Hong Kong, bustling markets in Taipei and lantern-filled streets in Malaysia, billions are celebrating a holiday centred on family, prosperity and hope for the future.
While traditions differ, the message is shared: unity, heritage and optimism for the year ahead.
Across the region, midnight celebrations welcomed the new zodiac cycle, with fireworks illuminating city skylines and families gathering for reunion dinners.
Taiwan-based food writer Zhu Zhenfan says symbolism lies at the heart of the Spring Festival, the traditional name of the Lunar New Year.
“During the Spring Festival, it's essential for people in Taiwan to eat fish, which means the family has enough to spare every year. The incorporation of meaningful symbolism into food is a reflection of traditional Chinese culture. The cultural atmosphere between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait is closely intertwined and inseparable. People on both sides celebrate the Spring Festival together.”
In Taipei, traditional markets filled with shoppers buying dried meats, vegetables and prepared dishes for family feasts, the final preparations before celebrations began.
In Kuala Lumpur’s Chinatown, lantern displays and zodiac decorations drew large crowds, with tourists joining local families in the festivities.
Chinese visitor Elaine Zhang says the atmosphere stands out.
“We think Malaysia pays top attention to this festival. It's very good. Families here can enjoy the festival together and it is very happiness.”
French tourist Anael Pichon says celebrations across the city feel energetic and colourful.
“In town, everybody is excited it looks - at the mall, here. It's beautiful. I am taking a zillion pictures. It's very exciting I think.”
Another visitor, Shao Weibing, says the strength of the celebrations surprised his family.
“This is my first time in Malaysia. I didn't expect the New Year atmosphere to be so strong here. My whole family is having a wonderful time.”
In Manila, at the world's oldest Chinatown in Binondo, fruit vendor Jhane Dente, has set up bouquets of fruit, knowing from experience this time of year is among the busiest.
“These are Mandarin oranges. We put it on our front door with rice, because they say if you put these on display, the blessings can come in.”
The festival’s reach extends far beyond Asia.
In Peru’s capital Lima, celebrations in the historic Chinatown reflect more than 175 years of cultural exchange.
Fortune teller Francisco Choy says the rare double-fire horse symbolises transformation and renewal.
“It is practically a double-fire horse and will bring about a transformation. It will help us humans to reset our energy and our path, and it will be very auspicious for all signs of the Chinese zodiac.”
In Hong Kong, thousands gathered at temples ahead of the new year, lighting incense sticks and making wishes for good fortune.
Across the Mong Kok flower market, shoppers searched for blooms symbolising prosperity, even as unusually warm weather reshaped buying habits.
Shopper Sam Chan says festive flowers are chosen to welcome prosperity.
“It’s all about celebrating the Lunar New Year. Having red and purple flowers can bring prosperity.”
In Queensland, lion dancers are keeping a centuries-old tradition alive, moving to the beat of drums often described as the heartbeat of the lion.
Performer Jordan Do says the art form is built on teamwork, where dancers and musicians rely on each other to bring the lion to life.
“I guess with Lion Dance, you have to work together. It's definitely a team sport. You know, there's no... the lion can't dance without the music and the music can't perform without the lions.”
The global scale of the festival was also reflected in messages from world leaders and religious figures.
Pope Leo the Fourteenth offered his blessing, expressing hope the new year would strengthen families and encourage peace.
“In the coming days, the Lunar New Year will be celebrated by billions of people in East Asia and other parts of the world. May this joyful celebration encourage people to live family relationships and friendships more intensely, bring serenity to homes and society, and be an opportunity to look together to the future, building peace and prosperity for all peoples. With my best wishes for the new year, I express my affection to all and invoke the Lord's blessing upon each one of you.”
Across Asia and the Pacific, leaders echoed similar wishes, describing the Horse as a symbol of resilience and progress.
Beyond the region, diaspora communities marked the festival with dragon dances, lantern parades and family gatherings.
As the Year of the Horse begins, celebrations across continents are carrying forward a shared message of renewal, connection and hope for the year ahead.
