Published: 10:37, February 17, 2026 | Updated: 11:04, February 17, 2026
Adieu, snake! Hello, horse!
By Wang Zhan
People perform lion dance to welcome the Year of the Horse at Tin Hau Temple in Lamma Island, Hong Kong, on Feb 17, 2026, the first day of Chinese New Year. (DJ CLARK / CHINA DAILY)

HONG KONG - Hong Kong said farewell to the Snake Year and welcomed the Year of the Horse in a festive mood on Tuesday, the first day of the Chinese New Year.

In Lamma Island, people offered prayers with incense sticks to wish for good luck. People also performed lion dances at midnight, which was said to scare away evil spirits and usher in prosperity.

DJ Clark of China Daily took the photos of celebratory activities.

Fireworks light up the sky to welcome the Year of the Horse in Lamma Island, Hong Kong, on Feb 17, 2026, the first day of Chinese New Year. (DJ CLARK / CHINA DAILY)
People offer prayers while holding incense sticks to welcome the Year of the Horse at Tin Hau Temple in Lamma Island, Hong Kong, on Feb 17, 2026, the first day of Chinese New Year. (DJ CLARK / CHINA DAILY)
People light firecrackers to welcome the Year of the Horse at Tin Hau Temple in Lamma Island, Hong Kong, on Feb 17, 2026, the first day of Chinese New Year. (DJ CLARK / CHINA DAILY)