China marked the Lunar New Year on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, entering the Year of the Fire Horse – a period astrologers predict will bring both dynamism and potential economic turbulence. The 16-day celebration, observed not only in mainland China but also in Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, and increasingly in Switzerland, is a time for family reunions and traditional customs.
The Year of the Fire Horse, a combination occurring only every 60 years – the last instance being in 1966 – is seen as a harbinger of passion, courage, and rapid change. This year’s symbolism is particularly relevant given China’s current economic situation and its ambitious push in artificial intelligence, where it is in direct competition with the United States.
While the festivities include traditional practices like the “pai ma pi” – literally “patting the horse’s rump,” a gesture symbolizing excellent luck – a sense of weariness is palpable among China’s younger generation. Han Lu, a young professional in Beijing, expressed a desire to simply rest during the holiday. “After a year of work, I am totally exhausted,” she said, reflecting a sentiment echoed by 24-year-classic Chen Shengjuan, who noted the intense pressure faced by his generation to secure employment. Official figures indicate nearly one in five young people in China are unemployed, though the accuracy of these numbers is difficult to verify.
The culinary landscape is also central to the New Year celebrations. Restaurants across Switzerland and beyond are offering a taste of Chinese cuisine, from classic dishes like Peking duck and shrimp with pineapple to more adventurous fare. One Zurich restaurant, MO Jasmine, aims to replicate an authentic Chinese dining experience, even stocking German Riesling to complement the flavors. Other establishments, like Huayuan in Bern, feature regional specialties such as wolfsbarsch with ginger, though some dishes come with a significant level of spice.
Beyond traditional Chinese cuisine, the New Year is also an opportunity to explore the diverse culinary traditions of neighboring countries. A Vietnamese restaurant in Zurich emphasizes the differences between spring and summer rolls, alongside hearty portions of Bo La Lot – beef with peanuts, rice noodles, and pepper leaves. Korean cuisine is also gaining prominence, with restaurants like Akaraka offering classic dishes like Tteokbokki and Bulgogi, often accompanied by operatic performances due to the owners’ background as opera singers.
High-end dining options, such as Tsé Fung in Geneva, are elevating Chinese cuisine with Michelin-starred Dim Sum and expertly prepared fried rice. More casual options, like Chopstick in Zurich, offer a communal dining experience with hot pot – a fondue-like dish where ingredients are cooked in a shared, spiced broth. Yan Rui in Zurich specializes in dishes cooked in clay pots, including the classic “eight treasures” of Shanghai cuisine.
The Year of the Fire Horse arrives at a complex moment for China, balancing economic challenges, geopolitical tensions, and a rapidly evolving technological landscape. The coming weeks will reveal whether the predicted dynamism of the year will translate into sustained economic growth or further instability.
