Rome is preparing to welcome the Year of the Horse with an explosion of colors, flavors, and ancient traditions. The capital has planned a calendar of events, offering citizens and tourists many ways to immerse themselves in Eastern culture, including large street parties and gourmet dinners. The celebrations will begin on Tuesday, February 17, and end on March 3, 2026.
The heart of the Chinese New Year celebrations: Piazza Vittorio
The focal point of the popular event will, as per tradition, be the Esquilino district. On Saturday, February 21, and Sunday, February 22, 2026, the Nicola Calipari Gardens in Piazza Vittorio Emanuele II will be transformed into an Oriental village with free admission (from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.). It will be a unique opportunity to enjoy dance performances and martial arts demonstrations and lose yourself among the gazebos displaying handicrafts and culinary delicacies.
The most eagerly awaited moment is scheduled for the morning of Sunday 22: at 10:00 a.m., the evocative parade of dragons and lions will set off, marching between Viale Manzoni and Via Principe Eugenio, followed by the official ceremony in the presence of the Chinese Ambassador at 1:00 p.m.
Photo from Turismo Roma Facebook
Taste itineraries: New Year’s Eve dinners
For those who prefer to celebrate at the table, Rome’s best Chinese restaurants have created exclusive tasting menus.
Dao Chinese Restaurant, located on Via Sardegna, has planned a special menu (€90) for Monday, February 16, celebrating the “Fire Horse.” Among the dishes are crystal ravioli with tobiko, Peking duck, and swordfish cooked in salt in lotus leaves.
Oolong, in Piazza San Paolo alla Regola, is where haute cuisine meets tradition in a chic setting. Last year’s menu featured sophisticated combinations such as crab and caviar rice gnocchi and champagne and aloe cocktails.
Lunar New Year is not just Chinese. The Thien Kim restaurant on Via Cassia invites you to discover Vietnamese Tết, while at Igio in Trastevere you can enjoy traditional Hansik for Korean Sollal.