Festival · 节日

Laba Festival (腊八)

Eight-treasure porridge at winter's edge.

Laba (腊八节) on lunar 12/8 marks the start of the New Year preparation season — the day is named after the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month (腊月). The signature dish is Laba porridge (腊八粥), a rich blend of grains, beans, nuts, and dried fruit slow-cooked overnight.

When does Laba Festival fall?

• 2027 — Friday, January 15, 2027 (2027年1月15日)
• 2028 — Tuesday, January 4, 2028 (2028年1月4日)
• 2029 — Monday, January 22, 2029 (2029年1月22日)

Traditions

Laba porridge (腊八粥)

Eight or more grains and seeds (rice, millet, mung beans, red beans, peanuts, dates, lotus seeds, lily bulbs) simmered into a sweet, warming porridge.

Laba garlic (腊八蒜)

Northern China: peeled garlic cloves submerged in vinegar — they turn jade-green over weeks and accompany dumplings at New Year.

Common questions

What date is Laba 2027?

Laba 2027 falls on Friday, January 15, 2027 (lunar 12/8). The 2026 Laba was on January 27, 2026.

Why eat porridge?

Buddhist tradition: Laba commemorates the day Siddhartha attained enlightenment after being revived by a bowl of porridge from a milkmaid. Folk tradition: it's simply warm, nourishing, and uses up grain stores before New Year.