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.

As several Asian nations gear up to celebrate the lunar new year, families are preparing to partake in the unique traditions associated with the festival and welcome the year of the snake. The ...

Asia Society Texas welcomed a record 5,000 guests to ring in the Year of the Snake and enjoy all-ages activities, performances, food, and shopping at its annual Lunar New Year festival.

The Lunar New Year begins Jan. 29, ushering in the Year of the Snake, which symbolizes wisdom, intuition and transformation in the new year.

What is Lunar New Year? Lunar New Year, or the Spring Festival, is celebrated in China and much of Asia, including Korea, Vietnam and Singapore, as well as among the global Asian diaspora.

Lunar New Year festivals and prayers are marking the start of the Year of the Snake around Asia and farther afield.