Fiery, passionate and courageous, we'll sip to that!

What is Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year?

Deeply rooted in Chinese tradition, but celebrated across many East and Southeast Asian cultures, Lunar New Year is an inclusive name used for the annual spring festival. Celebrated during the new moon, 2026 celebrations begin on the 29 January, continuing over 15 days and ending with the Lantern Festival.

In its early form, the celebration was a holiday for farmers and workers to have a rest from their year-long hard labour. Today, this sentiment remains in many ways. Those who partake in Lunar New Year celebrations take time off to rest, recharge and spend time with family. Many spend the week leading up to the celebration preparing for hosting big feasts, attending festivals and visiting loved ones.

We're kicking off celebrations with a Pony Palooza.

This year at T2, we're bringing in the Year of the Horse with Pony Palooza - a month of celebration bringing charm and whimsy to Lunar New Year.

What does the Year of the Horse mean?

2026 is the Year of the Horse in the Chinese zodiac, symbolising independence, strength and success. Other years associated with the horse are 2014, 2002, 1990, 1978, 1966, 1954, 1942.

In Chinese culture, horses are known for their energetic and dynamic nature, symbolising speed and perseverance, according to China Highlights. People born in the Year of the Horse are considered to possess similar traits; hard working, warm-hearted, and independent.

Also associated with good fortune and success, a phrase in Chinese; "马到成功" describes the swift and smooth way a victorious horse may arrive on the battlefield, illustrating how rapidly and effortlessly success can be achieved. In Chinese element theory, the five elements of fire, earth, metal, water, and wood are used to correspond with the zodiac signs. In 2026, the horse is linked to fire, symbolising freedom, adventure and passion.