This week’s new moon, on Wednesday, Jan. 29, will signal the beginning of the Chinese Lunar New Year, which this year is called the "Year of the Snake."

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

The Lunar New Year is a time for reflection and renewal, and visiting sacred temples is a cherished tradition for many Vietnamese seeking peace and good fortune.

Vietnam's southern provinces are celebrating the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday with various cultural festivals.

Tam Le and his wife, Tia Pham, own 5 Sisters Fruit Farm in Homestead, where they specialize in growing fruit native to Southeast Asia. Originally from Vietnam, the couple keep their culture alive by taking part in traditional Lunar New Year or Têt celebrations with the South Florida community.

We travelled to Phu Qhoc where Astrid joined me in eating pho for breakfast: noodle soup with beef broth, beansprouts, fragrant mint and Thai basil. Admittedly, I sold it to her as Vietnam’s version of instant noodles, downplaying the hard labour involved, but she loved it - and ordered it regularly through our trip.

Firecrackers popped, incense was offered at temples and dancers and drummers paraded Wednesday in Asia and farther afield as millions around the world celebrated the Lunar New Year.

Millions in Asia and beyond celebrated Lunar New Year, ushering in the Year of the Snake with vibrant festivities and cultural rituals. Major celebrations occurred globally, including in Hong Kong, Beijing,

BEIJING (AP) — Lunar New Year festivals and prayers marked the start of the Year of the Snake around Asia and farther afield on Wednesday — including in Moscow.

Lunar New Year festivals and prayers have marked the start of the Year of the Snake around Asia and further afield – including in Moscow. The holiday – known as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea – is a major festival celebrated by diaspora communities around the world.

Lunar New Year, celebrated by millions across the world, marks the transition into a new year with a variety of rich traditions and customs. In 2025, the festival will begin on January 29, heralding the Year of the Snake.

Parents Diversity Council and the Bedford Free Public Library held a Lunar New Year event on Saturday to celebrate the Year of the Snake.