Mexicali’s “La Chinesca” will host the 2026 Chinese New Year Festival, marking the Year of the Fire Horse, on Saturday, February 21. The event, which runs from 1:00 to 8:00 p.m., is free and open to the public. Baja California Secretary of Tourism Miguel Ángel Badiola invited residents and visitors to join the celebration.
Known as the Spring Festival, the Chinese New Year is the most important celebration in the traditional Chinese calendar. Based on the lunar calendar, it signals the start of a new cycle, typically occurring between late January and February. The holiday is traditionally marked by rituals, family gatherings, and cultural expressions symbolizing renewal and prosperity.
Festival activities will include authentic Chinese cuisine, the traditional Dragon and Lion dances, live music, and artistic performances. Attendees can also watch visual artists work in real time and explore a cultural bazaar that complements the immersive experience.
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Badiola emphasized that, under Governor Marina del Pilar, promoting cultural events like this is a priority. These celebrations enrich community life, provide family-friendly entertainment, support tourism, and strengthen La Chinesca’s identity as a cultural landmark in the state.
According to the Chinese zodiac, 2026 is the Year of the Horse. In Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes energy, perseverance, and forward movement, and is associated with effort, discipline, and initiative. It is seen as a favorable time for work, personal growth, and decisions aimed at progress.
Badiola highlighted the vital role of the Chinese community in Baja California’s history and identity. Celebrations like this not only honor tradition but also promote cultural exchange, social integration, and tourism, reinforcing La Chinesca’s status as a key cultural destination.
