The first new moon of the lunar calendar officially ushered in the new year in many cultures Wednesday, marking the imminent arrival of spring and the first day of the Year of the Snake, which symbolizes good luck, rebirth and regality.

Lunar New Year festivals and prayers marked the start of the Year of the Snake around Asia and farther afield on Wednesday.

Communities across the world begin celebrating Lunar New Year on Jan. 29 — and 2025 marks the Year of the Snake.

Lunar New Year, or Tết Nguyên Đán (Tết), is Vietnam's most important celebration - a time to honour ancestors, cherish family, and welcome new beginnings.This year, it lasts from 28 to 31 January.

Firecrackers echoed through the streets, temple incense filled the air, and dancers and drummers paraded as millions across Asia and beyond celebrated the Lunar

Lunar New Year is one of the biggest celebrations of the year for those of Asian heritage, involving family gatherings, lion dances, fireworks and for children, the exchange of red envelopes stuffed with cash.

Among China’s traditional holidays and celebrations, none ranks higher in importance than the Lunar New Year (農曆新年). Also known as the Spring Festival (春節), or simply Chinese New Year, it marks the beginning of the year according to the traditional lunar calendar.

From public parades to traditional dances, here's how countries around the world are celebrating the Year of the Snake.

Concerns of algorithm abuse, such as unfair pricing targeting different demographics, have prompted users to try creative solutions The Lunar New Year holiday is among the priciest time to travel in China,

More than a billion people across the world, from China to the Philippines to diaspora communities in the United States, began celebrating the Lunar New Year on Tuesday with fireworks, family time and feasts. On Wednesday, the first new moon of the Year of the Snake will mark the imminent arrival of spring.

Train stations and airports across the country have been jam-packed for weeks as millions returned home to spend the holidays with their loved ones in an annual migration that is expected to be a record.