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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2026 • YEAR OF THE HORSE
Join us as we celebrate the arrival of the new year according to the lunisolar calendar! The 2026 celebration will take place in the Downtown Arts & Culture District at the El Paso Museum of History, Mexican American Cultural Center, and Cleveland Square Park.
About Lunar New Year
Lunar New Year is a celebration of the start of a new year and the arrival of spring. The holiday is observed predominantly in China, Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, and other countries with large overseas populations from these cultures.
The exact date of Lunar New Year varies according to the lunisolar calendar but typically takes place in late January or February with the entire celebration lasting 15 days. The origins of Lunar New Year date back thousands of years, and each culture has their own unique traditions around the holiday. Common elements across celebrations include the color red, family gatherings, and rituals to encourage good luck for the coming year. Many cultures also observe the zodiac in connection with Lunar New Year. The zodiac occurs on a 12-year cycle, with each year corresponding to a different animal. Different countries have different zodiac animals. In 2026, the zodiac animal is Year of the Horse.
Historically, El Paso’s Chinese community would observe Lunar New Year in Downtown and Southside El Paso where El Paso’s Chinatown was located. These celebrations took place in the early 1900s and included fireworks, feasts, and community gatherings. The large, centralized celebrations eventually ceased following a decline in El Paso’s Chinese population after World War I but continued on a smaller scale at churches and family gatherings.
The El Paso Museum of History began hosting a Lunar New Year festival in 2020 in partnership with the Trien family of Pho Tre Bien. Now a signature event of the El Paso Museum of History, the event takes place in the heart of the Downtown Arts District.
- Over 3,500 visitors participated in the day-long festival in 2025
- The celebration involves a procession through Downtown to ward off evil spirits and welcome in the new year
- Free public activities are offered across arts and culture sites downtown including the El Paso Museum of History, Mexican American Culture Center, El Paso Museum of Art, and La Nube
- The Market features Asian-owned businesses selling food and cultural items
- Cultural performances occur at the end of the event and feature traditional dances like the lion dance, fan dance, and others
Festivities & Celebration in 2026
Saturday, February 28 | 12 PM - 5 PM
Additional Information
We are currently seeking volunteers who can assist with the event. If you are interested in volunteering to be a part of this event, please contact: Nora Rose at [email protected]
Donate & Sponsor
We have multiple opportunities for you to get involved and increase your brand’s reach, whether it’s sponsoring the procession, a performance, or an activity. For more information, please contact: Nora Rose at [email protected]
