The Lunar New Year is the most important holiday in China and many other Asian countries. Celebrations will last until mid-February.

Celebrations vary from culture to culture, but typically on the first day of Lunar New Year people visit the senior members of their extended family. One of the most recognizable celebrations is lion dance troupes, a dramatic tradition meant to usher in the New Year and expel evil spirits.

Firecrackers, parades and prayers marked the Lunar New Year as millions around Asia and farther afield celebrated