Millions around the world celebrate Lunar New Year and ring in the Year of the Snake

BEIJING (AP) — 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. From Beijing to Havana, the holiday — known as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in...

AP PHOTOS: Lunar New Year prayers and incense usher in the Year of the Snake

Wisps and clouds of smoke rose into the air at Buddhist and Daoist temples around Asia on Wednesday as people lit incense to pray for good luck in the Year of the Snake. From Vietnam to Japan, ethnic Chinese flocked to temples across north and Southeast Asia on what was the Lunar New...

PHOTO COLLECTION: Lunar New Year

This is a collection of photos chosen by AP photo editors.

What is Lunar New Year and how is it celebrated?

On Jan. 29, Asian American communities around the U.S. will ring in the Year of the Snake with community carnivals, family gatherings, parades, traditional food, fireworks and other festivities. In many Asian countries, it is a festival that is celebrated for several days. In diaspora communities,...

AP PHOTOS: Indonesia welcomes the Year of the Snake with dragon puppets and drum displays

BOGOR, Indonesia (AP) — From narrow side streets to packed malls, the traditional music and dance of dragon puppet performances have filled this bustling city south of Indonesia's capital to usher in the Lunar New Year. Asian communities across the world will begin ringing in the...