Suva’s Chinese community welcomes Year of the Fire Horse

The Chinese business community in Suva celebrated the start of the Year of the Fire Horse in vibrant style last night.

Families and friends gathered at the Yung Lea Hotel for a lively Chinese New Year event, enjoying traditional food, drinks, cultural dances, and gift exchanges.

The festivities created a warm and joyful atmosphere as guests marked one of the most significant festivals in Chinese culture.

Hotel owner Fugang Zahid hosted the celebration, bringing the community together to welcome prosperity, unity, and new beginnings.

Chinese New Year officially began on February 17, 2026, ushering in the rare Fire Horse cycle, which occurs once every 60 years.

The Chinese business community in Suva celebrated the start of the Year of the Fire Horse in vibrant style last night.

The Fire Horse is believed to symbolize high energy, ambition, and bold action, offering opportunities for success while discouraging indecision.

The 15-day Spring Festival focuses on family, renewal, and good fortune. Preparations often include spring cleaning to remove bad luck, followed by reunion dinners on New Year’s Eve.

Red envelopes containing money are given as blessings, homes are decorated in red, and fireworks are lit to chase away evil spirits, a tradition linked to the mythical creature Nian.

Several taboos are also observed during the festive period, including avoiding sweeping, hair washing, sharp objects, and negative words, which are believed to drive away newly arrived luck.

The celebrations will conclude on March 3 with the Lantern Festival, where families gather to eat sweet rice balls symbolizing togetherness and enjoy lantern displays.

Last night’s event reflected the true spirit of Chinese New Year—joy, culture, and community—as Suva’s Chinese community stepped confidently into the powerful Year of the Fire Horse.