Augusta area residents celebrated the coming Lunar Year 2026 – the year of the Fire Horse – on Valentine’s Day with the Chinese New Year Gala at Augusta University.
The celebration of Chinese culture included various dances and songs by performers, many wearing rich traditional dress.
The Lunar New Year begins Tuesday, Feb. 17, and is the Year of the Horse on the Chinese zodiac. This year is also referred to as the Year of the Fire Horse as it marks a 60-year cycle combining the Horse sign with the Fire element.
Lunar Near 2026 ends Feb. 5, 2027.
The Lunar New Year begins Feb. 17, 2026. Dancers celebrated with a performance at Augusta University Feb. 14, 2026. Photo by Rebecca CongletonChinese New Year 2026 is a Year of the Horse, more specifically the Fire Horse, marking a 60-year cycle. It begins Feb, 17, 2026, and ends Feb. 5, 2027. Photo by Rebecca CongletonAugusta area residents celebrated the coming Lunar Year 2026 – the year of the Fire Horse – on Valentine’s Day with the Chinese New Year Gala at Augusta University. Photo by Rebecca CongletonPerformers in rich traditional clothing celebrated at the 2026 Chinese New Year Gala Feb. 14, 2026 at Augusta University. Photo by Rebecca CongletonChinese New Year 2026 is a Year of the Horse, more specifically the Fire Horse, marking a 60-year cycle. It begins Feb, 17, 2026, and ends Feb. 5, 2027. Photo by Rebecca CongletonPerformances honored Chinese culture at the 2026 Augusta Chinese New Year Gala Feb. 14, 2026. Photo by Rebecca CongletonChinese New Year 2026 is a Year of the Horse, more specifically the Fire Horse, marking a 60-year cycle. It begins Feb, 17, 2026, and ends Feb. 5, 2027. Photo by Rebecca Congleton
Augusta area residents celebrated the coming Lunar Year 2026 – the year of the Fire Horse – on Valentine’s Day with the Chinese New Year Gala at Augusta University. Photo by Rebecca CongletonPerformances honored Chinese culture at the 2026 Augusta Chinese New Year Gala Feb. 14, 2026. Photo by Rebecca CongletonClick on advertisements for more information.
Rebecca Congleton is an award-winning street photographer, living in Augusta. As a former journalist, much of her work sits uniquely in the gap between photojournalism and creative artistry. You may see her wandering the city streets, camera in tow, searching for those slice of life moments.
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One response to “In pictures: Augusta Chinese New Year Gala 2026”
These pictures and videos are stunning! It’s hard to believe something so amazing happened in Lil Ol’ Augusta! Thank you so much for publishing this story!
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These pictures and videos are stunning! It’s hard to believe something so amazing happened in Lil Ol’ Augusta! Thank you so much for publishing this story!