As dusk settles on February 16, 2026, millions across China and around the globe are preparing for a beloved annual ritual: the CCTV Spring Festival Gala, known locally as Chunwan. This year, the event carries special weight—not only is it the 43rd consecutive year of this cultural extravaganza, but it also marks the arrival of the Year of the Horse, a sign symbolizing vitality, resilience, and forward momentum in Chinese tradition.
The anticipation has been building for weeks, and with good reason. According to China Youth Online, the official Gala poster was unveiled earlier today, setting an exuberant tone for the evening's celebrations. The event, set to air at 8 PM Beijing time, promises a night of joy and togetherness, matching its theme: “骐骥驰骋 势不可挡,” which roughly translates to "Galloping Steeds, Unstoppable Momentum." It's a fitting motif for a country—and a global community—eager to gallop into a new year of promise.
The scope of the Gala is staggering. As reported by CCTV, it is the world’s largest annual televised cultural event, drawing an audience that spans continents and generations. For 43 years, the Spring Festival Gala has served as what China Central Television’s Vice Minister of Propaganda Shen Haixiong described as a “spiritual New Year’s Eve dinner” for Chinese people everywhere. Last year’s broadcast was picked up by over 3,100 media outlets worldwide, and this year, organizers expect even greater reach thanks to technological innovations and multilingual accessibility.
Behind the scenes, the energy is palpable. According to a report by SFCCN, preparations for the 2026 Gala have been meticulous, with five full rehearsals completed before tonight’s live show. The backstage area—bustling with makeup artists, costumers, prop handlers, and performers—resembles a finely tuned beehive. Children slated to perform have been spotted rehearsing their acts, their excitement and nerves visible as they practice under the bright stage lights. “Every year on New Year’s Eve, we visit the Gala site,” CCTV reporter Cao Yan shared, giving audiences a rare glimpse into the waiting area, which features makeup rooms, costume rooms, and even a "memory wall" adorned with photos of iconic moments from years past.
One such memory? Last year, AI robots wowed viewers by performing a traditional yangge dance—a blend of cutting-edge technology and cultural heritage that became an instant sensation. “A little spoiler: tonight, robots will once again take center stage,” Cao Yan teased, hinting at another round of technological marvels. And for fans of pop diva Wang Fei, there’s more good news: after last year’s moving performance of “The Gift the World Gave Me,” Wang will return to the stage, though with a song in a completely new style.
Describing the Gala as a “cultural New Year’s Eve dinner,” Cao Yan likened the backstage hustle to a kitchen, where everyone is hard at work to serve up a feast of entertainment. “Everyone is making final preparations for tonight’s official performance. I believe tonight will bring many surprises,” she said.
This year’s Gala is not just a domestic affair. On February 13, a special event dubbed the “Spring Festival Gala Prelude Global Watch Spring Festival Gala” was held at the United Nations in New York. Hosted by China Central Radio and Television, the event brought together dignitaries from the United Nations, Chinese officials, and representatives from over 60 countries. Video addresses flowed in from the likes of Shen Haixiong, UN Under-Secretary-General Melissa Fleming, and China’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Fu Cong.
Fleming praised China’s long-standing commitment to multilateralism, stating, “Dialogue and cooperation are the only bridges to a peaceful and prosperous future. The spirit of the horse—vitality, resilience, and progress—injects confidence and strength into the world.” Fu Cong echoed these sentiments, noting China’s active role in advancing global development, security, and civilization initiatives at the United Nations over the past year. “May the new year see even more splendid mountains and rivers, and lights shining in every home,” he wished.
The event in New York was more than speeches. According to CCTV, it featured a dazzling array of performances, from American and Chinese children’s choirs singing both Chinese and English classics, to martial arts displays by the U.S. National Youth Wushu Team, to a fashion show where robots and models strutted in outfits blending ancient and modern design. The night ended with a heartfelt rendition of “My Chinese Heart” by a local children’s choir, leaving many in the audience visibly moved.
Media coverage of the UN special has been extensive. Reports have appeared in the Associated Press, Yahoo Finance, Fox Television, France’s Les Echos, Japan’s Kyodo News, Singapore’s The Straits Times, and India’s Business Today—just to name a few. In total, 1,527 major media outlets across 60 countries and regions have picked up the story, highlighting the Gala’s global impact.
Technological innovation is at the heart of this year’s Gala. Organizers are leveraging “5G+4K/8K+AI” technology to deliver the show in stunning detail, while offering broadcasts in 85 languages to ensure accessibility for viewers worldwide. This blend of tradition and modernity is intentional: as Shen Haixiong put it, the Gala “opens a window for global audiences to understand China’s excellent traditional culture and the vibrant new era of China.”
But what does all this mean for ordinary viewers? For many, Chunwan is a night of family, nostalgia, and hope. It’s a chance to gather around the TV, share laughter, and reflect on the past year’s ups and downs. As Orlins, president of the National Committee on U.S.-China Relations, observed, “In Chinese culture, the horse symbolizes the power to forge ahead. The positive forces driving U.S.-China relations are converging like a herd of galloping horses, injecting confidence and momentum into the steady progress of bilateral ties.”
With the world facing uncertainty and division, the 2026 CCTV Spring Festival Gala offers a moment of unity and optimism. From the bustling backstage in Beijing to the international stage in New York, the message is clear: through culture, technology, and shared celebration, the spirit of the horse can help bridge divides and inspire a brighter future.
As the clock ticks toward 8 PM, families everywhere are settling in for an evening of song, dance, and spectacle. Whether you’re tuning in from a Beijing living room or a New York apartment, the Gala invites everyone to join in the joy and look forward to what the Year of the Horse might bring.