Chinese New Year 2026 welcomes the Year of the Horse.
Just days before the celebration, I returned to Canada after a beautiful three-week vacation in my home country, the Philippines. My heart was still full from family embraces, Filipino meals, laughter, and the warmth of home. Then I stepped back into the cool winter air of British Columbia, transitioning into another meaningful celebration, the Lunar New Year.
Over the years, I have intentionally made time to celebrate the Lunar New Year and to contemplate its significance in my life. It has become more than a cultural event. It is a sacred pause. A reset. A reminder that life moves in cycles and every year gives us another opportunity to grow.
Celebrating in Vancouver
I have been blessed to witness the Vancouver Lunar New Year Parade in 2023 and 2024, and the Vancouver Lantern Festival in 2025.
Each celebration leaves a deep imprint on my soul.
I always enjoy:
- The powerful lion and dragon dances
- The vibrant red and gold decorations
- The colorful cultural performances
- The rhythmic drumbeats
- The crackle of firecrackers
The sound of the drums feels like a heartbeat. Strong. Alive. Determined. It reminds me that every new year carries energy and momentum.
And 2026 carries the powerful energy of the Horse.
Year of the Horse: Energy, Freedom, and Movement
The Horse in Chinese zodiac symbolizes speed, passion, independence, and progress. People born in Horse years are known for their dynamic energy, adventurous spirit, and drive to move forward.
The Horse does not stand still. It runs toward horizons. It seeks freedom and new opportunities.
This makes me reflect deeply as someone born in 1985, the Year of the Ox.
The Ox and the Horse: What Does It Mean for Me?
The Ox represents diligence, reliability, endurance, and steady strength. Ox people are patient builders. We do not rush. We commit. We carry responsibility with discipline and quiet determination.
In Chinese zodiac compatibility, the Ox and the Horse are very different energies.
- The Ox moves steadily and carefully.
- The Horse moves quickly and boldly.
- The Ox values structure and stability.
- The Horse values freedom and momentum.
Some traditions say they can clash because of their opposite temperaments. But I see it differently. I see balance.
The Year of the Horse challenges the Ox in me to:
- Step outside routine
- Move with more courage
- Embrace change instead of overthinking it
- Take action faster
At the same time, my Ox energy reminds me:
- Stay grounded
- Build sustainably
- Do not rush blindly
- Finish what you start
This combination can be powerful. The steady strength of the Ox guided by the forward momentum of the Horse can create meaningful progress.
As a Virgo in Western astrology, I also carry traits of discipline, precision, and continuous improvement. Virgo refines. The Ox perseveres. The Horse accelerates.
2026 feels like a year to move forward with intention, not hesitation.
The Sweet Symbolism of Tikoy
No Lunar New Year celebration is complete without Tikoy.
In the Philippines, we call it Tikoy, a brown glutinous sticky rice cake known in Chinese culture as Nian Gao.
Tikoy symbolizes:
- Sweetness for the coming year
- Unity and family togetherness
- Prosperity and continuous growth
Its sticky texture represents bonds that hold families together. Its sweetness reflects hopes for harmonious relationships. Its upward meaning signifies rising success year after year.
Every bite feels intentional. It is more than food. It is tradition. It is hope.
Why Lunar New Year Matters to Me
These ancient Chinese beliefs and rituals give my life meaning and energy. They connect me to heritage, culture, and reflection. They remind me that renewal is always available.
After returning from the Philippines, Lunar New Year became my emotional bridge. From rest to rebuilding. From vacation mode to purpose mode.
Each year, I ask myself:
- What must I let go of?
- What must I strengthen?
- What must I pursue fearlessly?
The Horse year whispers, run forward.
The Ox within me responds, build wisely.
My Virgo mind adds, improve consistently.
Together, they shape how I step into 2026.
A Year to Move with Strength and Courage
Chinese New Year 2026 is not just about decorations, zodiac animals, or festive food.
It is about momentum.
It is about combining discipline with courage.
It is about steady strength meeting courageous movement.
As an Ox entering the Year of the Horse, I see opportunity. Not conflict.
This is the year to move forward without losing stability.
To run without forgetting where I came from.
To act with courage while staying grounded in values.
May this year be sweet like Tikoy.
May it be steady like the Ox.
May it be bold like the Horse.
Gong Xi Fa Cai.
And as I always remind myself, make it happen.
©️ 2026 Del Cusay