Blog: Celebrating the Year of the Horse in Birmingham

Hi I’m Anagh, and I am a Masters student studying English Literature here at UoB.

Lunar and Chinese New Year marks the beginning of a new year based on the traditional lunisolar calendar used across Chinese, East and Southeast Asian cultures. In 2026, the year begins in mid-February and welcomes the Year of the Horse, a zodiac sign associated with energy, confidence, freedom, and perseverance. Celebrations traditionally last for fifteen days, starting on New Year’s Eve and ending with the Lantern Festival, making it one of the most vibrant and meaningful times of the year.

Celebrating in Kolkata

For me this time of year has always been about food, friends, and the community. Back in Kolkata It was generally a two-day celebration for me. I would spend the first day exploring Chinatown with my friends! The streets were alive with lanterns, and cozy vibes. I loved the excitement of wandering between stalls, tasting dumplings, bao buns, and spring rolls, and to live in that moment. It wasn’t just about the food it was the sense of togetherness, the laughter, and the shared energy of everyone around that made those moments so special.

The following day was always a more relaxed but interesting adventure. My friends and I would go on what we called a “food walk,” hopping between different restaurants to try their signature dishes. Quick interesting fact: in Kolkata, we have our own way of preparing Chinese food, called ‘Tangra-style Chinese’ or “Desi-Chinese.” It started in the Tangra district over a century ago, when Chinese immigrants adapted traditional recipes to local flavours. Spicy chili chicken, hakka noodles, and manchurian are festival favourites, and sharing them with friends has always been one of my favourite parts of Lunar and Chinese New Year. It’s more than food it’s a delicious mix of culture, history, and community. Sometimes, we would also visit local Chinese community spaces, watch small cultural performances, or chat with members about the traditions behind the festival. Those experiences definitely gave me a deeper sense of connection to the culture and also made me appreciate the meaning behind the celebrations.

Taking part in the UK

Here in Birmingham, I’m excited to recreate and adapt these traditions. I look forward to exploring the Chinese Quarter, discovering new food spots, and attending events organised by the University. While it may feel different from Kolkata, I have the same sense of excitement, curiosity and community, finding joy in both familiar and new experiences. My friends and I are already brainstorming the best ways to mark the occasion.

Celebrating the Year of the Horse, I believe is also a great opportunity to blend past and present. I can bring my memories of Kolkata with me while creating new traditions here in Birmingham, whether it’s sharing meals with friends, enjoying cultural performances, continuing that tradition of ‘food walks’ or simply wandering through the streets and taking in the festive atmosphere. For me this time of year is a way to belong and welcome the new year with optimism and energy.

As I look forward to the Year of the Horse, I hope to make this celebration my own, embracing both the nostalgia of home and the excitement of life in a new city. It’s the perfect reminder that traditions can travel with us, evolving and growing richer as we experience them in different places.