Prayers, lion dances and firecrackers have marked the Year of the Snake as Lunar New Year festivals got under way around the world.
The pop-pop-pop of firecrackers greeted the new year outside a temple in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, on Wednesday, followed by lion dances to the rhythmic beat of drums and small cymbals.
Russians cheered and took smartphone photos of a colourful procession that kicked off a 10-day Lunar New Year festival in Moscow.
Colourful traditions were also in evidence in major cities such as Beijing and Hong Kong.
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