Reading welcomed the Year of the Horse this week, marking Chinese New Year on Tuesday, 17 February 2026. The previous Year of the Horse was in 2014. According to Chinese tradition, those born in 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, or 2002 are considered to have been born in the Year of the Horse, a symbol of power, beauty, success, and perseverance.
Also known as the Spring Festival, Chinese New Year marks the first day of the lunar calendar and is one of the most important traditional festivals in China. Celebrations typically begin with a New Year’s Eve reunion dinner, when family members return home to be together.
Reading Chinese School, established in 1978, has played a long-standing role in promoting Chinese language and culture in the local community. The school was honoured with the Pride of Reading Award in 2025 for its outstanding cultural contributions.
This year, in partnership with Reading Borough Council, the school held a full-day celebration on Sunday, 1 March, in the town centre. The morning featured free indoor cultural workshops, where visitors could try Chinese calligraphy, traditional crafts, learn about the Chinese tea ceremony, and explore other aspects of Chinese culture.
In the afternoon, a dragon dance parade brought the streets to life along Broad Street, accompanied by traditional Chinese dances and Tai Chi demonstrations. Crowds lined the streets to watch the vibrant performances, while two lively lions danced outside the Town Square before leading guests and students back to Reading Town Hall.
The day concluded with stage performances by students and special guests, including singing, dancing, traditional Chinese music, Tai Chi demonstrations, and short plays, providing a memorable finale to the celebrations.
The Mayor of Reading, Councillor Dr Alice Mpofu-Coles, attended the event and praised the school for its ongoing cultural contributions. She thanked residents for joining the parade and festivities and wished everyone a prosperous New Year.
The Spring Festival celebrations continue until the Lantern Festival on the fifteenth day of the first lunar month, with families and friends visiting one another, exchanging greetings, and sharing good wishes for the year ahead.
