biggest festivals from karl riley. chinese new year is the biggest festival in china. it s also known as the spring festival on lunar new year. it marks the first new moon in the chinese lunar solar calendar. which is based on cycles of the moon and the earth. in 2022, the festival falls on the 1st of february. chinese new year has been celebrated for centuries. one legend says it began with the defeat of the beast. it was chased away by villagers with red colours, bright lights. ..and loud sounds. food is an important part of the festivities. and certain ingredients hold special meaning.