Community leaders,United States Postal Service representatives,interested residents,and,definitely,more than a few philatelists(stamp lovers)gathered on Tuesday,Feb.3,for the dedication of the Lunar New Year — Year of the Horse Commemorative Forever Stamp.

The ceremony,held at the Chinese Community Center in the Southwest Management District,opened with a performance by Lee’s Golden Dragon and concluded with a face-changing performance by artist Lian Chen Walker.

In the middle,local leaders touted the diversity of the Southwest District.

The Honorable David Steiner,Postmaster General and Chief Executive Officer of the United States Postal Service,said:

“We’re thrilled to help to kick off the Lunar New Year in such a great town — my hometown,Houston — the most culturally diverse town in the United States.”

The Year of the Horse begins February 17,2026,and concludes on February 5,2027.

“It’s said that people born in the year of the horse are optimistic,independent and hardworking.Just like the city of Houston,”Steiner said.

The 2026 Year of the Horse stamp is the seventh in the USPS Lunar New Year series of 12 stamps. 

Steiner said the series,which began in 2020,has been among the most popular and best-selling stamps for decades,and each stamp features colorful masks celebrating the new year. 

For many Asian Americans,the Lunar New Year is an opportunity to reconnect with family and honor cultural traditions.Many people observe customs such as cleaning the house to sweep away bad luck and giving red envelopes filled with money,known as “hongbao.”

These rituals are intended to bring prosperity,good fortune and happiness in the coming year.

Kenneth Li,chairman of the Southwest Management District,invited those gathered to return to the Chinese Community Center,9800 Town Park Dr.,on Feb 14 for a freeLunar New Year Festivalfeaturing more than 100 booths. 

Gary Poon,Chief Executive Officer of the Chinese Community Center,said Houston is now home to one of the largest and most diverse Asian populations in the nation,

He said:“As we celebrate the New Year,we also celebrate the contributions,leadership and lasting impact of Asian Americans who help make our city and our nation stronger.”

The new stamp may be purchased at your local post office or online at the USPSwebsite. 

— Dorothy Puch Lillig