When is Chinese New Year 2024? Details to know about Year of the Dragon, zodiac dates

Aaron A. Bedoya, El Paso Times
Updated ·2 min read

Lunar New Year is most commonly celebrated in China and other Asian countries. That's why you also see it called Chinese New Year. It starts with the first new moon of the lunar calendar and ends on the first full moon, about 15 days later.

The lunar calendar is based on moon cycles, so the dates of the Lunar New Year celebration can change slightly each year.

Here’s everything to know about Lunar New Year 2024.

Lion and Dragon dance troupe performs next to lunar new year decorations with the background of Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. The Chinese Lunar New Year began on Feb. 10, marking the start of the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese zodiac. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
Lion and Dragon dance troupe performs next to lunar new year decorations with the background of Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024. The Chinese Lunar New Year began on Feb. 10, marking the start of the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese zodiac. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

When is the Chinese New Year?

Chinese New Year 2024 starts on Feb. 10 and ends on Feb. 24.

A woman takes a smartphone photo of a dragon figure on display outside a luxury fashion retail store in Beijing, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. 2024 is the Year of the Dragon on the Chinese calendar. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)
A woman takes a smartphone photo of a dragon figure on display outside a luxury fashion retail store in Beijing, Tuesday, Jan. 2, 2024. 2024 is the Year of the Dragon on the Chinese calendar. (AP Photo/Andy Wong)

Chinese New Year 2024 animal

In 2024, it's the Year of the Dragon.

A shopper takes a picture in front of lunar new year decorations inside a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. The Chinese Lunar New Year falls on Feb. 10 this year, marking the start of the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese zodiac. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)
A shopper takes a picture in front of lunar new year decorations inside a shopping mall in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024. The Chinese Lunar New Year falls on Feb. 10 this year, marking the start of the Year of the Dragon, according to the Chinese zodiac. (AP Photo/Vincent Thian)

Chinese New Year animals

Twelve animal symbols comprise the Chinese zodiac. Here are the animals and which birth years they are associated with:

  • Rat: 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020.

  • Ox: 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021.

  • Tiger: 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022.

  • Rabbit: 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023.

  • Dragon: 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024.

  • Snake: 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013.

  • Horse: 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014.

  • Sheep/goat: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015.

  • Monkey: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016.

  • Rooster: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017.

  • Dog: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018.

  • Boar/pig: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019.

The dragon has a high reputation in Chinese culture and represents auspiciousness and imperial power. The dragon is a symbol of dignity, health, honor, success, luck and strength.

How long does the Chinese New Year last?

Chinese New Year typically lasts about 15 days. However, a few days before and after are also often used for celebrations.

AZ Central contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: When is Lunar New Year 2024: Chinese New Year animals, dates