Korat kicks off Chinese New Year with a bang
2026-02-16 - 03:16
NAKHON RATCHASIMA — 15 February 2026, Chinese New Year celebrations in Nakhon Ratchasima are in full swing, with crowds turning out for vibrant lion and dragon dances at The Mall Korat. The 2026 festivities for Thai-Chinese residents in Nakhon Ratchasima kicked off in lively fashion on the evening of 15 February 2026. The Mall Korat is hosting its grand event, “JOY LUCK LOVE CHINESE NEW YEAR 2026 – Galloping Fire Horse, Great Fortune”, from 12–22 February 2026. The shopping centre has been decorated in a traditional Chinese theme, featuring lantern displays and plum blossom pole installations, alongside scheduled dragon and lion dance performances that drew steady crowds of spectators. Dragon dancers balance high above the crowd for a stunning photo The opening ceremony was presided over by Deputy Governor Manat Suwannarin, joined by Preecha Lim-ua, General Operations Manager of The Mall Ratchasima Co., Ltd., representatives of Chinese clan associations in Nakhon Ratchasima, and members of the local Thai-Chinese community. Attendees watched an auspicious golden dragon and lion performance welcoming Chinese New Year 2026. A key highlight is the performance by the Golden Dragon and Lion Troupe of Luang Por Srisawan, disciples of Luang Por Boonnam from Nakhon Sawan province, performing from 15–17 February 2026 in front of the mall. Featured acts include “Lion Leaping on Plum Blossom Poles – The Legend of the Lion and the Golden Horse Seeking Auspicious Blossoms” and a dragon performance centred on the symbolic pursuit of a sacred pearl, both of which received strong audience response, complete with ceremonial bows to elders of the four auspicious directions. Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of auspicious delicacies and popular street food, including Hea Ngee Yaowarat, A-Poo Dry Rice Porridge, Oppa Bake and Shantou Dragon’s Beard Candy, offering flavours believed to enhance prosperity in the Year of the Fire Horse. In Chinese belief, the Fire Horse symbolises passion, energy and new beginnings, leading to success and positive change. Entertainment continues throughout the festival, including the “Galloping Fire Horse, Great Fortune” parade troupe, a Joy Luck Love Meet & Greet with “Surf-Java” on 17 February 2026, and a Douyin-style Chinese sister fashion contest and martial arts costume competition on 22 February 2026. Shoppers can also receive “ang pao” red envelope promotions worth more than 8 million baht in total, aimed at boosting the local economy during the festive period. Organisers said this year’s celebration was designed to uphold Chinese cultural traditions in Nakhon Ratchasima while delivering happiness, prosperity and good fortune to every family. Thai-Chinese attendees agreed that witnessing dragon and lion dances on plum blossom poles is an auspicious way to welcome the Lunar New Year, bringing luck, prosperity and business success in the Year of the Fire Horse. Members of the public are invited to experience the auspicious power of the “Galloping Steed” and join what organisers describe as the largest Chinese New Year celebration in the Northeast, running until 22 February 2026 at The Mall Korat.