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 are marking the start of the Year of the Snake around Asia and farther afield

Fireworks, music, fairs, lanterns, dragon and lion dancing will fill the city streets this weekend during a two-day free event. Millions of people across Asia and the world are celebrating the Lunar New Year, also known as Chinese New Year, which coincides with the first new moon of the lunar calendar.