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Fireworks and dragon dances usher in Year of the Monkey

Colourful festivities get under way as communities around the world celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year.

Chinese New year
A series of Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations have ushered in the Year of the Monkey. [Joshua Paul/AP]
Published On 8 Feb 2016

Chinese communities around the world are celebrating the Lunar New Year.

From China to Mexico, colourful festivities got under way on Monday as people welcomed the first day of the Year of the Monkey.

In China’s capital, Beijing, the Lunar New Year was rung in by the striking of a large bell which is believed to help drive away bad luck and bring good fortune.

In Mexico City, dragon dances took centre stage at the celebrations, while in Australia a dazzling fireworks display featured among the festivities.

Chinese New Year
The Lunar New Year is the most important annual holiday for Chinese communities around the world. Here, people burn incense as they pray for good fortune [Reuters]
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Chinese New Year
Dragon dancers perform in Manila's Chinatown district in the Philippines on the eve of Chinese Lunar New Year celebrations. [Bullit Marquez/AP]
Chinese new year
Tens of thousands of worshippers gathered in temples to pray for good luck and fortune for the Year of Monkey. [Anthony Kwan/Getty Images]
Chinese new year
The Chinese Lunar New Year is also known as the Spring Festival. [Reuters]
chinese new year
Fireworks explode in Beijing as people celebrate on the eve of the Chinese Lunar New Year. [Reuters]
Chinese New Year
The first ever Chinese New Year celebrations in Glasgow, Scotland, were held in George Square [Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images]
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Chinese New Year
A worker checks lanterns as part of decorations in preparation for Chinese New Year celebrations. [Romeo Ranoco/Reuters]
Chinese New Year
Having a baby in the Year of the Monkey is generally thought to be more auspicious than in that of its predecessor - the Year of the Sheep [Andy Wong/AP]
Chinese new year
Chinese performers dressed in traditional costumes participate in a cultural dance at Ditan Park to mark the first day of Chinese Lunar New Year in Beijing. [Andy Wong/AP]
Chinese New Year
An estimated 2.91 billion journeys are expected to be made this year during the holiday period, traditionally a time for Chinese citizens to travel home and be with family and friends. [Reuters]