Meet Maverick, the bold mascot for this year's San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade, embodying the essence of a Fire Horse born to lead and fuelled by passion.
According to parade officials, Maverick is a modern descendant of Ma Sheng, the ancient protector of horses, donkeys, and mules in northern China. For thousands of years, Ma Sheng stood as a guardian of strength and loyalty, qualities that Maverick seeks to convey through his energetic and charismatic personality.
As 2026 marks the Year of the Fire Horse, a rare alignment occurring only once every 60 years, parade officials say this year's mascot is perfectly suited for the occasion. Fire Horses are known to be trailblazers with big hearts and bold dreams, lighting the way wherever they go.
Maverick embodies these traits, exuding confidence and enthusiasm that will undoubtedly captivate audiences at this year's parade. With his arrival comes a promise of excitement and celebration, as the city comes together to honor the rich cultural heritage of Chinese New Year.
The 2026 San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade promises to be an unforgettable event, with Maverick as its enthusiastic ambassador. Mark your calendars for March 7, where you can watch this year's parade on ABC News Live or Hulu, and experience the vibrant traditions and pageantry that make this festival so unique.
According to parade officials, Maverick is a modern descendant of Ma Sheng, the ancient protector of horses, donkeys, and mules in northern China. For thousands of years, Ma Sheng stood as a guardian of strength and loyalty, qualities that Maverick seeks to convey through his energetic and charismatic personality.
As 2026 marks the Year of the Fire Horse, a rare alignment occurring only once every 60 years, parade officials say this year's mascot is perfectly suited for the occasion. Fire Horses are known to be trailblazers with big hearts and bold dreams, lighting the way wherever they go.
Maverick embodies these traits, exuding confidence and enthusiasm that will undoubtedly captivate audiences at this year's parade. With his arrival comes a promise of excitement and celebration, as the city comes together to honor the rich cultural heritage of Chinese New Year.
The 2026 San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade promises to be an unforgettable event, with Maverick as its enthusiastic ambassador. Mark your calendars for March 7, where you can watch this year's parade on ABC News Live or Hulu, and experience the vibrant traditions and pageantry that make this festival so unique.
. A Fire Horse born from Ma Sheng? That sounds like a story straight out of Disney 
. I mean, how exactly did Maverick's ancestors go from being ancient horse protectors to modern-day mascots for a parade in San Francisco? And what makes this year's alignment with the Fire Horse so special? Is it really that rare every 60 years? 
Can we get some actual sources on that one, like a academic paper or something? 
! Maverick as the mascot is literally the perfect fit - he's got this edgy, bold vibe going on and I can already tell he's gonna bring the energy to the parade 
. And you know what's even more awesome? The fact that Fire Horses are all about being trailblazers and inspiring others to chase their dreams 
. Can't wait to watch Maverick lead the way at the parade and see the whole city come together to celebrate Chinese New Year 
. Marking my calendar for March 7, don't miss it! 
! I mean, a Fire Horse mascot named Maverick? That sounds straight fire 
. I love how they're tying him to ancient mythology with Ma Sheng - it's cool to see the culture's roots being celebrated in such a modern way. And can we talk about how epic it is that 2026's alignment only happens every 60 years? 
It's gonna be a wild ride, literally! I'm definitely marking my calendars for March 7 and getting ready to party with the city!
I mean, they're basically a flavor explosion in your mouth! Anyway, back to this Fire Horse mascot, Maverick, I wonder if anyone knows what kind of horse breeds were originally used in northern China for transportation and farming? Maybe there's some cool history behind it that I'd love to learn more about... 
Like, what even is his personality like? Is he more energetic than a caffeine-fueled toddler or just charismatic enough to sell you on the idea of watching a parade? 
i mean who wouldn't wanna be led by someone with that much energy? 
the fact that he's got ancient roots as ma sheng makes him even cooler, like he's carrying on a legacy of awesomeness 
and what's with the fire horse vibe? it's just a horse, innit? 
is he really a descendant of some ancient hero ma sheng? 
how old would that make him? 
and why only every 60 years does the fire horse appear? 
I'm curious to see more about this and if it's actually true 