Are you ready to ride the fire horse?
by Metropol | February 18, 2026 8:30 am
Saddle up because the Chinese New Year welcomes the Year of the Horse, symbolising vibrant and fiery energy, adventure, vitality, and momentum.
I’m manifesting all that and more in 2026, alongside the spirit of my Chinese zodiac (the horse, of course).
Also known as the Lunar New Year, this celebration is a time for cultural traditions, family reunions, and hopes for good fortune, for millions of people worldwide. Red decorations are hung and firecrackers lit, a tradition that stems from an ancient legend where villagers found that the Monster Nian feared loud noises and the colour red. Celebrate the Chinese New Year in the city or at home and channel the mighty fire horse.
If you’re looking for a good example of that fire horse spirit, read deputy editor Tamara Pitelen’s interview with the bold and beautiful Court Theatre actor Eilish Moran, who we’ve dubbed ‘Queen of The Court’. She’s taking to the stage again with Divas of Theatre for the Rainbow Festival from 5 to 8 March.
A force in her own field, Laura Frankenschmidt is full of momentum. She’s the brains behind Lyttelton Lights, a candle and fragrance company with some serious horse power; I caught up with the mother and entrepreneur as she marks 10 years in business.
If all that reading makes you hungry, find three delightful Asian-inspired recipes to create delicious restaurant-worthy dishes at home, plus all the essentials to have handy thanks to chef and creator Vincent Yeow Lim, also known as the ‘Wolf of Wok Street.’ More from his cookbook inside.
With fire (horse) in our bellies, we dive into the beauty of Chinoiserie, where East meets West and wallpaper gets way more exciting. The decorative style blends exquisite motifs with contemporary colour palettes, plus a healthy dose of stallion-inspired décor to dress up your home.
Finally, February is and will always be tinged with sadness for Christchurch. With celebration and excitement comes reflection and remembrance and if you’re looking for a meaningful way to commemorate the 185 lives lost on 22 February, 2011, visit Oi Manawa on the Sunday anniversary for a memorial ceremony 15 years on.
Kia kaha, Christchurch.
Source URL: https://metropol.co.nz/are-you-ready-to-ride-the-fire-horse/