Governor Stein Proclaims Lunar New Year

Lunar New Year

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, February 17, 2026, marks the beginning of the Lunar New Year, which is celebrated by Asian American communities across North Carolina; and

Whereas, the Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival, is based on the lunar calendar, which includes the Chinese zodiac, or Sheng Xiao, a repeating 12-year cycle of animal signs and their ascribed attributes; and

Whereas, the Lunar New Year, celebrated this year as the Year of the Fire Horse, symbolizes energy, perseverance, and forward progress and is observed by Asian Americans as a time to show independence, transformation, ambition, and bold change; and

Whereas, our Asian American community has contributed to the social, cultural, civic, economic, and academic success of the state; and

Whereas, the State of North Carolina encourages residents to join our neighbors in celebration of the Lunar New Year and take the opportunity to learn about the rich traditions of this special holiday and the past and present contributions of the Asian American community to our state; and

Whereas, the State of North Carolina welcomes the Lunar New Year, wishing you and your family happiness, prosperity, fortune, and good health in the Year of the Fire Horse;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim February 17, 2026, as “Lunar New Year” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all residents.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this eleventh day of February in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.