Lion dancers from Mak Fai Dragon and Lion Dance Association talk about lion dancing during the Lunar New Year. This year is the first time the Lunar New Year is officially recognized as a Washington state holiday.

As millions of people around the globe ring in the Lunar New Year, one Boston hotel welcomed a local kung fu and tai chi academy to perform and bestow good luck and fortune to all into the year 4,723.

Lion dances can be seen during special occasions, like weddings, birthdays and store openings, and symbolize good luck and fortune. They are also an integral part of ushering in the new year, according to the Chinese lunisolar calendar, and honoring a new Chinese Zodiac sign.

January 29th marks the beginning of the year of the snake, and it's an extra special Lunar New Year in Washington state, because this year, for the first time, it is a state holiday. Festivities have already been happening in many places,

Chinatown's streets will come to life on Feb. 9 with thunderous drums and the piercing clang of cymbals as nine lion dance troupes celebrate the Year of the Snake in the Chinese New Year Parade.