Bidding farewell to the mythical Dragon, the world welcomes the Year of the Snake on January 29 — the first day of the Lunar New Year. For those who celebrate this ancient festival, starting the year on a positive note is essential.

Lunar New Year, often called the Spring Festival or Chinese New Year, is the most important holiday in China and many other Asian communities. Every year is marked by a different animal and 2025 is the Year of the Snake.

The Lunar New Year is the most important holiday in China and many other Asian countries. Celebrations will last until mid-February.

Lunar New Year celebrations begin Wednesday. Here's everything to know about the 2025 Lunar New Year, 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 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.