People worldwide celebrate the Lunar New Year today, which occurs on the second new moon to follow the Winter Solstice.

Lunar New Year, often called the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, is the most important holiday in China and many other Asian communities. Every year is marked by a different animal and 2025 is the Year of the Snake.

China’s Lunar New Year travel rush has kicked into high gear, with billions of trips expected in coming days for the peak of the 40-day annual mass migration.

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

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.

Travellers thronged railway stations and airports on Friday, clutching large suitcases and gifts such as boxes of fruit as they joined millions of Chinese returning to their hometowns to celebrate the Lunar New Year festival with family.

In the Chinese zodiac, 2025 is the Year of the Snake. Different countries across Asia celebrate the new year in many ways and may follow a different zodiac.

At its core, the Lunar New Year is a celebration that brings the family together. This new year is the year of the snake.

China's ambassador to the United States Xie Feng has praised an American who appeared on the televised Lunar New Year's Eve gala as proof of the kindness that exists between the two peoples. Evan Kail,

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

Moscow launched a metro train decorated with Chinese motifs for the Lunar New Year on Wednesday amid strengthening relations with one-time rival China. (AP video/Vladimir Kondrashov)