Monterey Park galloped into the Year of the Horse with Lunar New Year festivities

Monday, February 2, 2026
MONTEREY PARK, Calif. (KABC) -- Downtown Monterey Park rang in the Lunar New Year with beautiful sounds and sights at its annual festival, a one-stop shop to explore Chinese cuisine and support local businesses.

Event organizers said they had people flying in from out of the country to attend, while locals enjoyed having something like this in their own backyard.

"We live in the neighborhood and thought it'd be fun to check it out and see what's happening," attendee Kelsey said. "I didn't get to come last year. My daughter went with my husband, so it's my first time, and yeah, just here to see everything that's going on."

There was a lot to see, from fire-grilled food to amusement park rides.

According to the Chinese zodiac, the Year of the Horse will begin on Feb. 17.



The horse symbolizes bold action, perseverance and innovation.

"I'm a tiger, so I get along well with the horse, so the fire horse is my partner," an attendee named Andy said. "I feel the positive vibe and energy already this year."

Admission was free, and with a daily lineup of entertainment acts all day long, everyone got in the spirit and mindset for new beginnings ahead.

"We usually do a family gathering, exchange the red envelopes, have dinner," attendee Doug Cheung said. "That's our typical thing for Chinese New Year."

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