Among dragons, lanterns and shows, the multi-ethnic heart of the Capital celebrates the Chinese New Year 2026 in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, in the presence of the Chinese ambassadors and the mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri.
Chinese New Year 2026 in Piazza Vittorio in Rome: the big event
Rome has immersed itself in the colours and traditions of the East for the Chinese New Year 2026, which animated Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II in the days of February 21st and 22nd. Thousands of people - over 30 thousand according to the Chinese community in Rome - participated in the great celebration dedicated to the’Year of the Horse, symbol of energy, freedom and renewal. From the early hours of the morning until the evening, the Nicola Calipari Gardens and the surrounding streets have transformed into a open-air stage, populated by dancing dragons, red lanterns, traditional costumes and food stands. Visitors were able to witness cultural shows, traditional dances, martial arts demonstrations and tastings of typical Chinese dishes, in a festive and sharing atmosphere that involved families, tourists and the curious.
The words of Lucia King, spokesperson for the Chinese community in Rome
The most awaited moment has arrived Sunday, February 22nd, with the great parade of dragons and the lion dance, which crossed the heart of the Esquilino district. Shortly after, the’Chinese Ambassador to Italy, together with representatives of local institutions, inaugurated the official ceremony with a message of friendship and intercultural dialogue.
“It's a celebration we do every year, but this year the enthusiasm has been extraordinary,” he said. Lucia King, spokesperson for the Chinese community in Rome. “We feel part of the city. There's a great unity and friendship with the Roman citizens.”
The theme of this edition, “Year of the Horse: Energy and Harmony in Movement”, celebrated the vitality and cooperation between different cultures. The event underlined the value of integration, peace and luck for the new year, as King recalled:
“Our wish is world peace and happiness for all.”
The great turnout confirmed the success of the event, with crowded food and cultural stands all day long. The aroma of steamed dumplings and baozi mingled with the music of traditional performances, in a sensory experience that brought Rome closer to China. Once again, Vittorio Square is confirmed as a symbol of the multicultural coexistence in the Capital. A place where traditions meet and diversity becomes richness.
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In-depth box: useful information on Chinese New Year 2026 in Rome
Dates, times and location
- When: February 21 and 22, 2026, from 9 am to 9 pm.
- Where: Nicola Calipari Gardens, Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II, Rome.
- Admission: Free and open to all, no reservations required.
What you absolutely must see
- Dragon Parade and Lion Dance: The highlight is Sunday at 10 a.m., featuring spectacular choreography and traditional costumes.
- Cultural performances: music, folk dances, martial arts, and artistic performances throughout the day.
- Food stalls: Chinese street food, tastings, and traditional dishes including steamed dumplings, baozi, and regional specialties.
Why the Year of the Horse is special
- 2026 is the’Year of the Fire Horse, associated with energy, movement and change.
- In Chinese tradition, the Horse evokes freedom, courage, ambition, and new opportunities, but also encourages us to manage impulsiveness.
The Chinese community in Rome
- The Chinese community is among the most deeply rooted in Rome's multicultural fabric, with a strong presence in the Piazza Vittorio area.
- Chinese New Year has become one of the most anticipated events in the city's cultural calendar, thanks to the joint participation of Chinese and Italian citizens.