The Asian district of the 13th arrondissement is offering two extraordinary weeks to celebrate the arrival of the Year of the Fire Horse. If you're looking for a festive way to explore Asian traditions in Paris, this must-see event combines culture, performances, and festivities right in the iconic Place d'Italie. From the grand Chinese New Year parade to exhibitions featuring Chinese and Vietnamese artists, storytelling concerts, and traditional dance performances, the 13th arrondissement offers an artistic and lively journey that will culminate in a vibrant street parade on Sunday, March 1st, bringing the celebrations to a spectacular close.
The year 2026 marks the beginning of the Year of the Horse, the seventh sign in the Chinese zodiac. This noble creature symbolizes energy, freedom, and vitality within Chinese culture. The Horse stands for liveliness, courage, and the ability to overcome obstacles with determination. Those born under this sign—specifically in 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, and 2026—are celebrated for their dynamism and infectious enthusiasm. It’s a time to move forward with confidence and to face the future with passion.
The 2026 Lunar New Year program in the 13th arrondissement promises to be especially vibrant and diverse. Let's take a closer look at the two major exhibitions opening at the 13th City Hall starting February 13th. The Athena Gallery is hosting "My Mother and Me" by Hom Nguyen, a heartfelt tribute to Vietnamese heritage and the maternal figure. Meanwhile, the Bièvre Gallery features "Ink in Light" by Zheng Taijun, a nomadic artist blending Chinese tradition with a contemporary perspective. The openings are scheduled for the evenings of February 18th and 19th, with free entry during the city hall’s opening hours at 1 Place d’Italie.
When it comes to festivities, the lineup is truly ambitious. Starting February 13th, the town hall’s main hall will host "L’éventail du Printemps," a narrative concert blending Chinese guqin, saxophone, percussion, and classical dance. This performance celebrates the artistic bridge between China and France, inspired by Yuan Xiaoyuan, one of the first Chinese women to study in France during the 1930s. The following day, the Han Style New Year festivities take the stage, led by Association Boyan, featuring fashion shows in Hanfu (traditional Chinese attire), calligraphy workshops, and tea tastings.
February 20th marks a special occasion with the unveiling of the red and gold decorations along rue des Frères d'Astier de la Vigerie, in front of the Fraternity Arch. The festivities begin with lion dances, adding to the vibrant atmosphere. The CICOC (Council for the Integration of Chinese Communities) has dressed the entire Asian neighborhood in festive colors to celebrate this special occasion. The evening continues with the Tết Celebration Show, organized by the Union of Vietnamese People of France, which immerses attendees in the world of Vietnamese theater – Cải Lương – featuring traditional dance and music performances.
Don't miss the special concert on February 21st featuring Eliott Tordo and Guo Gan, two virtuosos of the erhu (a traditional Chinese string instrument), as they perform iconic film themes, with support from the Confucius Institute at Neoma Business School. On the same day, the Halle Georges Carpentier comes alive with the excitement of futsal as the D1 match pits Sporting Paris against UJS Toulouse, in a festive atmosphere celebrating the new partnership between Tang Frères and the Parisian club.
The Chinese Character Festival is making its return on February 25th for its fourth edition. This creative afternoon brings together residents of the 13th arrondissement for calligraphy, paper-cutting, painting, and lantern-making workshops. The event kicks off with an exhibition showcasing the winning works from the national contest "Draw Chinese!" created by middle and high school students from across France, before concluding with the award ceremony later in the day.
On February 27th, the town hall will turn into a stand-up comedy stage featuring four rising Asian comedians: David Sun, Roselyne, Odah Sama, and Candiie Shoo. An evening bursting with color and energy to celebrate the vibrant diversity of the Franco-Asian comedy scene, all set against a fiery, festive backdrop. Registration is required to attend.
The Spring Festival, organized by the Village 13 Collective, will take over the Digital Village (21 Albert Bayet Street) on February 28th for its fourth edition. The Young Chinese Association of France, Banh Mi Media, the Jeunes Teochew of France, and Fragmentis have joined forces to create a vibrant market of local designers, panel discussions, workshops, and games celebrating Asian cultures. On the same evening, the Chinese Dance Company of Paris, led by artistic director Wenhu Wang, will invite attendees to participate in a choreographic introduction, followed by performances that blend tradition with contemporary flair.
The grand finale is set for Sunday, March 1st, with the iconic Lunar New Year Grand Parade organized by the ARFOI (Association of French Residents of Indochinese Origin), a tradition that has been celebrated since 1986. Every year, hundreds of thousands of spectators from Paris, France, and across Europe flock to witness this spectacular event. The streets of the 13th arrondissement will come alive from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. with dragon and lion dances, enchanting fairy-tale characters, traditional costumes, and vibrant floats. The procession will start at 37 rue du Disque (44 avenue d'Ivry), make its way through the intersection of rue Tolbiac and avenue de Choisy, then head down avenue de Choisy, along boulevard Masséna, and finally along avenue d'Ivry.
In short, the 13th arrondissement is hosting two full weeks of festivities to celebrate the rich traditions of Chinese and Vietnamese New Year. Most of the events are free but require pre-registration on the 13th District Town Hall website. For the Sporting Paris futsal match, tickets are available via a QR code. Details about timings and entry procedures are provided for each event, with venues typically opening their doors 30 minutes before performances begin. Join us in marking the Year of the Fire Horse in one of the most lively neighborhoods of the city!
EXHIBITIONS
SHOWS & CONCERTS
SPECIAL EVENTS
Lunar New Year Parade in Paris 13th District 2026: The Program for the City’s Largest Parade This Sunday
The renowned Lunar New Year parade in the 13th arrondissement of Paris is making its grand return on Sunday, March 1, 2026, celebrating the Year of the Fire Horse. Mark your calendars for this must-attend festive event. [Read more]
Mark your calendar for February 7, 12, and 21, 2026, at the Paris Cité University’s Grands Moulins Campus to celebrate Tết, the Vietnamese New Year. The festivities will feature craft workshops, traditional storytelling, tea tasting, and cake decorating. Be sure to register now for these free sessions—and join in the celebration! [Read more]
The Lunar New Year, celebrated in Vietnam (Tết Festival), South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines — commonly known as Chinese New Year — falls on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. However, festivities kick off before and continue after that date. This year, we welcome the Year of the Fire Horse. Looking for tips to make the most of the celebrations? From parades and performances to top dining spots, here’s a roundup of the best ideas for honoring this vibrant holiday. [Read more]
Please note that it's been over 4 years since our last visit, so the place and experience may have changed.
Dates and Opening Time
From February 13, 2026 to March 1, 2026
Location
13th district town hall
1 Place d'Italie
75013 Paris 13
Prices
Free
Recommended age
For all
Official website
cdn.paris.fr
More information
Free events with free admission
Lunar New Year Parade in Paris 13th District 2026: The Program for the City’s Largest Parade This Sunday
Vietnamese Lunar New Year – Free celebrations in the 13th arrondissement: Highlights of the Têt Festival Program
Lunar New Year – Chinese New Year celebrations in Paris and Île-de-France 2026: parades and festivities
