Each Chinese New Year is characterized by one of 12 animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac. monkey
This year it’s the Year of the Monkey, the ninth animal in the cycle. The next Year of the Monkey will be in 2028.

Chinese New Year is a holiday that celebrates the beginning of a new year according to the lunar calendar. Since the lunar calendar is based on the phases of the moon, Chinese New Year is never on the same day each year, but usually is somewhere between January 21st and February 20th.  Chinese New Year is the most important of the Chinese holidays. It is celebrated with family gatherings, celebration, gift-giving, fireworks, the eating of symbolic foods and the display of decorations. Traditionally it is a 15-day holiday focused on bringing good luck for the new year and celebrating the coming of spring.