Meet the 2026 San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade mascot, MaverickSAN FRANCISCO (KGO) -- The San Francisco Chinese New Year Parade announced Thursday morning its new mascot for this year's event. According to parade officials, Maverick is "a bold descendant of Ma Sheng, the Horse God, the ancient protector of horses, donkeys, and mules in imperial northern China." They say that for thousands of years, Ma Sheng stood as a guardian of strength and loyalty. MORE: Grand marshal Eileen Gu shares message ahead of SF Chinese New Year ParadeOfficials say 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, which is a rare alignment that occurs only once every 60 years. ABC7 News is your official home for the 2026 Chinese New Year Parade.