Across East and Southeast Asia, millions are celebrating the Lunar New Year, officially ushering in the Year of the Fire Horse today, February 17, 2026. In Taipei, crowds flocked to the Baoan Temple for traditional incense prayers and the ringing of temple bells. Meanwhile, in Vietnam, the festival known as Tet was marked by large-scale outdoor countdowns and fireworks displays in major cities. 

Leaders across the region shared messages of unity and progress; Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged the public to pair optimism with discipline to sustain national growth. In Vietnam, President Luong Cuong highlighted innovation as the key to a prosperous future. The festivities even extended to Moscow, where streets were decorated with red lanterns and dragons to mark two weeks of celebratory events. 

While much of the region's markets remained shut for the holiday, the cultural significance was felt globally through traditional activities like Ssireum (Korean wrestling) tournaments and lantern events in Kyoto, Japan.