On Saturday 14 February, the festive opening of the Chinese New Year 2026: the Year of the Fire Horse took place in the Atrium of The Hague’s City Hall. With a colourful programme full of culture, music and encounters, the Spring Festival was officially ushered in. The festivities will continue until 21 February, including activities in Chinatown and cultural performances in Amare
The opening was performed in the presence of Mayor Jan van Zanen, the Chinese ambassador Shen Bo, Marc Moquette, Special Envoy for Knowledge on China of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Atom Zhou, chairman of the organizing committee and VNC chairman Monique Knapen. There were also representatives of, among others, the National Federation of Chinese Organizations in the Netherlands and the Association of Chinese Investment Enterprises in The Netherlands.
A feast of connection
Mayor Jan van Zanen emphasized the connecting nature of the Spring Festival in his welcome speech:
“Chinese New Year is above all a celebration of connection. A party to celebrate and be together.”
He pointed to the rich history of the Chinese community in The Hague and its contribution to the economic and cultural life of the city:
“A proud tree has grown from shared roots, with many branches. You and your culture are now an inseparable part of this city.”
With a reference to the Year of the Horse – which stands for energy, freedom and enthusiasm – he wished all those present a prosperous new year:
Kong xi fa chai – 恭喜发财!
Chinese New Year as a Global Cultural Symbol
Ambassador Shen Bo underlined the global nature of the Spring Festival and the importance of cultural exchange:
“The Chinese New Year… embodies the values of family reunion, harmony, shared well-being, and peaceful coexistence. These sentiments… transcend cultures and borders.”
He pointed out that the Chinese New Year has now been recognized by the United Nations as a UN holiday and was included on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage in 2024
About the relationship between the Netherlands and China, he said:
“China attaches great importance to the Netherlands’ strategic position… and remains committed to developing the open and pragmatic partnership for comprehensive cooperation.”
The ambassador expressed his confidence that the friendship between the two countries will have “a blooming spring”
The Year of the Fire Horse: energy and transformation
On behalf of the Netherlands China Association, chairman Monique Knapen addressed the attendees. She reflected on the meaning of the Year of the Fire Horse:
“The Year of the Fire Horse invites us to seek transformation with tireless vigor and welcome new experiences without judgment or prejudice.”
With a view to VNC’s fiftieth anniversary next year, she drew a parallel between 1976 and the current era, in which uncertainty and change are central
A special moment in her speech was the story of the stuffed horses. Due to a production error, the mouths of some cuddly toys were upside down. What was first seen as a mistake grew into an unexpected internet sensation:
“Sometimes something goes wrong, but it turns out not to be wrong afterwards… It became an economic success. A wonderful example of changing insights and Chinese flexibility.”
According to Knapen, this shows how important it is not to judge too quickly, but to remain open to new perspectives.
Cultural programme and festive atmosphere
After the speeches, those present enjoyed performances, including the world-famous Wu Opera from Zhejiang, which had come to the Netherlands especially for this occasion
With impressive costumes, acrobatics and traditional music, the audience was taken into the rich cultural tradition of China.
The celebration continues with a parade of lions and dragons through Chinatown and various cultural activities spread throughout the city. A lot will also happen in the coming week. For details look here:
https://www.chineesnieuwjaar-denhaag.nl
With energy, intelligence and a free spirit – the characteristics of the horse – The Hague jointly ushered in the new year. The Spring Festival 2026 reaffirmed how valuable meeting, dialogue and cooperation are for the relationship between the Netherlands and China.
