Laba Festival
Also called: Laba Rice Porridge Festival
What is Laba Festival?
The Laba Festival is when families eat Laba porridge (腊八粥), a porridge of grains, beans, nuts and dried fruit — usually sweet, though some regions make savoury versions. It is the traditional start of the run-up to Chinese New Year.
Laba Festival dates 2026–2030
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | |
| 2027 | |
| 2028 | |
| 2029 | |
| 2030 |
Where it comes from
In Buddhist tradition it is the day the Buddha attained enlightenment, and temples give out porridge. An old saying links it to the New Year: 过了腊八就是年, "once Laba has passed, New Year is here".
How people celebrate
- Cook and share Laba porridge (腊八粥)
- In northern China, make Laba garlic (腊八蒜): garlic pickled in vinegar until it turns green, eaten at New Year
- Start cleaning and shopping for New Year
Words and greetings
| Chinese | Pinyin | English |
|---|---|---|
| 腊八节 | PinyinLàbājié | EnglishLaba Festival |
| 腊八粥 | PinyinLàbāzhōu | EnglishLaba porridge |
| 腊八蒜 | PinyinLàbāsuàn | EnglishLaba garlic (green pickled garlic) |
| 腊月 | Pinyinlàyuè | Englishthe 12th lunar month |
| 过了腊八就是年 | Pinyinguòle Làbā jiù shì nián | English"Once Laba has passed, New Year is here" |
People may say 腊八节快乐, but most simply share a bowl of porridge.
Is it a public holiday?
Not a public holiday.
Frequently asked questions
When is the Laba Festival in 2027?
Friday 15 January 2027, the 8th day of the 12th lunar month.
What is in Laba porridge?
Usually eight or more ingredients: rice, millet and other grains, beans, red dates, lotus seeds, peanuts and dried fruit.
How is Laba related to Chinese New Year?
It falls about three weeks before New Year and is the traditional start of New Year preparations.