In pictures: Welcoming the Lunar New Year

Dragon dancers perform in a park in BeijingGetty Images

Dragon dancers performed at a park in Beijing

Saturday 10 February marked the start of Lunar New Year, and more than a billion people in countries around the world have been saying farewell to the Year of the Rabbit and welcoming the Year of the Dragon.

Lunar New Year is typically celebrated in parts of Asia - notably China, South Korea and Vietnam - but it is also celebrated by diaspora communities around the world such as in Europe and the US.

Fireworks, music, fairs, lanterns, dragon and lion dancing filled streets across Asia as locals began celebrations that typically last about 15 days.

Wearing colourful outfits, several participants from the Granada Masskara Dance group take part in a parade in Hong KongGetty Images

Participants from the Granada Masskara Dance group from the Philippines took part in a parade in Hong Kong

A performer breathes fire during Lunar New Year celebrations at Binondo district, considered the world's oldest Chinatown, on February 10, 2024 in Manila, Philippines.Getty Images

A performer breathed fire during celebrations in Manila

A woman prays at a temple of Yaowarat Chinatown on the first day of the Lunar New Year of The Dragon in Bangkok, Thailand, on February 10, 2024Getty Images

People in Bangkok headed to the temple of Yaowarat Chinatown to pray

A Chinese Lion Dance team perform for spectators during celebrations for Chinese Lunar New Year of the Dragon in central London on February 10, 2024.HENRY NICHOLLS/GETTY IMAGES

A Chinese lion dance team entertained the crowd in central London

People celebrate the Lunar New Year of the Dragon in the streets of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania of United States on February 10, 2024.Getty Images

People took to the streets of Philadelphia to celebrate

Dozens of people placing food on a table in a temple for Lunar New YearEPA

People left food offerings in a temple in Taipei, Taiwan

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