🧨 As the Year of the Snake bids farewell, the Year of the Horse gallops in. In 2026, the Lunar New Year brings the Horse—an emblem of strength, speed, and hope shared by both Chinese and French cultures. Every Lunar New Year, the Champs-Élysées in Paris undergoes a “cultural transformation,” and the 2026 Chinese New Year Parade marks a new chapter in this story of emotion and exchange. More than a festive event, it is a genuine encounter of cultures—an invitation to mutual understanding and appreciation on the world stage.
🧧 Since its inception in 2022, the Champs-Élysées Chinese New Year Parade has been held annually with growing success. From the Year of the Rabbit to the Dragon and the Snake, the parade has evolved into a symbolic event in Sino-French cultural dialogue—open not only to the Chinese community, but to Parisians and international visitors alike.
🏮 Franco-Chinese Resonance: The Symbolism of the Horse
🐎 In French culture, the horse embodies glory, chivalric spirit, and national pride—from the royal equestrian traditions of Versailles to countless state celebrations on the Champs-Élysées. In Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes progress, good fortune, and the pursuit of a brighter future. The 2026 Lunar New Year represents a perfect moment for these two cultural symbols to converge in Paris.
🎺 As dragons and lions dance to the rhythm of drums, the Champs-Élysées transforms into a “New Year Avenue” open to everyone—an immersive, moving celebration where people feel the living pulse of culture.
Practical Information
🗓️ Date: Sunday, February 1, 2026, 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM
📍 Location: In front of Fouquet’s Paris, 99 Avenue des Champs-Élysées, 75008 Paris
✨ Parade Route: Starting at 2:30 PM from the Fouquet’s entrance, the parade will march up the Champs-Élysées toward the Arc de Triomphe, spreading the joy and blessings of the Lunar New Year along the avenue.
🎫 Admission: Free and open to the public. Front-row spots are first come, first served.
Highlights: Nearly 500 Performers
🥁 The 2026 parade will bring together around 500 performers in a high-energy, high-quality cultural showcase, featuring diverse traditional Chinese art forms presented in a vibrant and dynamic rhythm.
🦁 Foshan Southern Lion Dance: Power and Precision
Led by Benjamin Colussi and the LWS White Brow Kung Fu School, the Foshan Southern Lion team will perform daring routines—including “Eight Immortals Bench” leaps and 5-meter “Cai Qing” pole sequences—offering an extraordinary display of athleticism and artistry.
🐉 Dragon Dance: Fortune Flows Down the Avenue
Eight dragons will weave through the Champs-Élysées, their sinuous movements symbolizing prosperity and joy, carrying good luck all the way to the Arc de Triomphe.
👘 Hanfu Parade and Ethnic Dances
Organized by Papaye Association, the 100-person Hanfu parade will merge traditional aesthetics with Paris’s modern cityscape. Complemented by Tai Chi, Northeast folk dance, and Guizhou Miao ethnic performances, the parade will celebrate the full diversity of Chinese cultural expression.
Past Impact
📣 The 2025 parade attracted over 200,000 spectators, becoming one of Paris’s most popular public cultural events of the day. The performances—dragon and lion dances, Hanfu parades, and folk arts—left a lasting impression on French audiences and enhanced the international recognition of Chinese folk traditions.
📰 Supported by both French and Chinese media and institutions, the parade reinforces the global significance of the Lunar New Year, listed by UNESCO as part of humanity’s Intangible Cultural Heritage.
FAQ
Is a ticket required? No, the event is free and open to all.
Is it family-friendly? Absolutely—perfect for children and families.
Where’s the best place to watch? Near the starting point or mid-route; arrive early for good spots.
Will there be Chinese commentary? The parade focuses on visual and musical performance, not narration.
What if it rains? The parade usually proceeds unless weather conditions are extreme.
