Chinese Lunar New Year 2026 at Place de la République in Paris: a photo and video recap

The 2026 Lunar New Year celebrations lit up Place de la République in the 11th arrondissement of Paris on February 22nd, marking the Year of the Horse. Dragons, elaborate costumes, and Asian flavors brought a lively vibe to this free, community event, shining brightly despite the gray skies.

The Lunar New Year 2026 celebration took place on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at the Place de la République in the 11th arrondissement of Paris. And to say the least, the overcast sky couldn’t dampen the festive spirit. Starting from noon, the large Parisian square, with Marianne watching over from her vantage point, was transformed into a lively, colorful scene to mark the Year of the Horse, under the auspices of the French Chinese associations.

Watch the Lunar New Year Celebrations in Video:

Dragon and Lion Dances: The Spotlight Steals the Show in the Heart of the Square

The opening ceremony set the tone right from the start. Experienced performers took to the stage with their dragon and lion dances, traditional symbols of luck and prosperity during the Lunar New Year. Long, shimmering silk banners in red and gold rippled in time with drums and cymbals, thrilling the youngest spectators and delighting the older ones. The energetic atmosphere was contagious, as crowds stood back to capture the vibrant choreography from every possible angle. Notable figures and community groups also made a lively appearance, adding to the festive spirit.

The Grand Costume Parade: 50 Associations Take to the Streets

A highly anticipated highlight of the afternoon, the brought together no less than 50 associations. The parade featured an impressive lineup of decorated floats, traditional costumes, and more contemporary designs. It was a lively showcase of the energy and diversity within the Sino-French community in Paris. Amid embroidered outfits and festive accessories, each group added its own unique touch to the vibrant tableau. The atmosphere was friendly and family-focused, with strollers and smartphones vying for the best spot along the route.

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The Spring Market: 50 Stalls for Food Lovers

We certainly didn’t forget the stomach, and that’s a good thing. The Spring Market featured around fifty stalls dedicated to Chinese New Year cuisine. Steamed dumplings, skewers, traditional sweets, hot drinks... Perfect for warming up between parade moments. It’s a wonderful chance to discover authentic Asian delights for the Lunar New Year that you might not often find in everyday restaurants.

A Popular and Free Celebration in the Heart of Paris

One of the highlights of this event is that admission is completely free and open to all. The atmosphere had a genuine, welcoming vibe: families, curious visitors, and regulars of Paris's lunar celebrations all gathered together, without a single ticket in sight.

For those eager to keep the Lunar New Year festivities going, a series of additional parades and events are still on the calendar, especially in the 13th arrondissement. And for food lovers wanting to extend the celebration, a visit to the city’s Asian restaurants in Paris will surely delight your taste buds and take your palate on a journey.