Published: 10:29, February 15, 2026 | Updated: 10:48, February 15, 2026
Hoofbeats across the globe
By Xinhua

From Nairobi to New York, Spring Festival traditions connect cultures through performance and reunion.

A humanoid robot leads a lion dance during a parade along the Champs-Elysees Avenue in Paris, France, blending tradition with technology ahead of the Chinese New Year.(PHOTO / XINHUA)

As the Year of the Horse approaches, the spirit of Chinese New Year is sweeping across the globe in a vibrant celebration of heritage, joy and shared humanity. From ancient streets to modern plazas, festivities unfold in settings both familiar and new, carried in the hearts of communities far from home.

This is a story of tradition taking root in distant lands. The lively beats of drums and the swirl of dragon and lion dances find new audiences, their age-old rhythms echoing against unexpected skylines. Paper-cutting and calligraphy — delicate, time-honored arts — become quiet yet eloquent expressions of blessing and good fortune, transcending language through craft. It is also a tale of joyful fusion. The aroma of traditional holiday fare mingles with local flavors, inspiring new flavors and conversations. Ancient art forms share the stage with futuristic technology, and curious hands from every culture try their skill at a craft, discovering the stories and symbolism behind each gesture. In these moments, the festival becomes a vibrant bridge, connecting heritage with curiosity, and familiar customs with new friends. Above all, Spring Festival is a testament to home. For families, it is the comfort of reunion. For overseas communities, it is the powerful warmth of shared identity. And for all who join in, it is the universal hope for prosperity, health and happiness in the year ahead. The Spring Festival spirit is a traveler, adaptable and generous. From the creative chocolate sculptures in Vancouver, Canada, to the intricate dough art admired in New York, United States, the Chinese New Year inspires creativity and curiosity worldwide. It is more than a festival; it is a bridge connecting communities, a feast for the senses, and a testament to the enduring and expanding reach of Chinese culture. Through dance, music, taste, and technology, the world joins in one harmonious heartbeat — celebrating not just a new year, but the shared spirit of family, hope and cultural embrace.

In Nairobi, Kenya, performers stage a lively yangko dance, at the 2026 Chinese New Year Gala, filling the air with color and festive energy. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
In Cairo, Egypt, performers present Sichuan opera's "face-changing" art, captivating overseas Chinese and Egyptian audiences during a festive gathering. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
Visitors take selfies in front of the Spring Festival decorations inside the subtropical greenhouse of Moscow State University's Apothecary Garden in Moscow, Russia. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
A woman displays the Chinese character fu, symbolizing happiness, at a Chinese-Cambodian cultural exhibition in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
Visitors admire intricate dough sculptures during the Taste of China cultural event in New York, United States. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
Guests sample delicate Chinese pastries at a cultural promotion event in Madrid, Spain, where exhibitions and concerts highlight mutual appreciation. (PHOTO / XINHUA)
France's La Poste Group issues two stamps designed by artist Chen Jianghong to mark the upcoming Year of the Horse. (PHOTO / CHINA NEWS SERVICE)