On Tuesday. February 17th, the Lunar New Year Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival took place in New York City for a great turnout.
The 28th annual Firecracker Ceremony and Cultural Festival took place in Sara D. Roosevelt Park, which is situated near Chinatown.
This was a celebration of the beginning of a new year, according to the Lunar calendar. It is celebrated by many of the Asian communities in New York and across the globe.
This cultural festival featured a plethora of traditional dancers who were dressed as the various animals of the Chinese New Year such as a dragons, lion, and rabbits.
2026 marks the Year of the Horse, which is a symbol of independence, energy, speed, freedom, and rapid, transformative change.
The Firecracker Ceremony culminated with a massive amount of fireworks, which was quite the spectacle.
The fireworks were set off to “scare away bad spirits,” and rightfully so. This event was free for New Yorkers and tourists to attend. The color red was worn to represent good luck, joy, happiness, prosperity, and vitality.
Governor Kathy Hochul issues a proclamation in honor of Lunar New Year 2026
Today, New York Governor Kathy Hochul has issued a proclamation in honor of Lunar New Year 2026 and in celebration of the Year of the Fire Horse. She also directed 15 of New York’s iconic landmarks to be illuminated red to help celebrate this holiday.
“As we enter this Lunar New Year, let us embrace the energy of the Fire Horse, move boldly, and build together,” Governor Kathy Hochul said.
“As we usher in the year of the fearless and strong-willed fire horse, let’s embrace its energy, move boldly, and build a future where every New Yorker is supported,” Hochul posted on social media.
“Only in New York do you get fireworks, dragons, and centuries-old traditions all unfolding in the middle of Manhattan. Lunar New Year here is magical,” Faith Hill said.
“There is something powerful about watching an entire city pause, even in the cold weather, to welcome a new beginning. Lunar New Year feels like hope, tradition, and fresh energy all at once,” Hill elaborated.
Bestselling author Dar Dowling remarked, “Watching Chinatown welcome the ‘Year of the Horse’ was breathtaking and spectacular. The rhythm, color, and energy made me feel joy rise in my chest, as if the spirit of the Horse itself was galloping in—bold, hopeful, and alive. It left me smiling, lifted, and ready to move forward with strength and heart.”
“The fact that it coincides with the ‘Ring of Fire’ solar eclipse today makes it that much more auspicious,” Dowling concluded.
