BEIJING (AP) - People across Asia and beyond celebrated the Lunar New Year on Tuesday, engaging in traditional prayers, setting off fireworks, and participating in various festivities. This year marked the beginning of the Year of the Horse, following the Year of the Snake, as part of the 12-year zodiac cycle in the Chinese calendar. The Lunar New Year stands as the most significant annual celebration in China and is also widely recognized in other East Asian countries, with growing observances in cities around the world.
Among the vibrant festivities, China's annual Spring Festival gala featured a spectacular performance that included humanoid robots taking center stage. This event, hosted by CCTV, showcased a martial arts display performed by children alongside robots from Unitree Robotics, who executed various sequences and even demonstrated swordplay. This performance highlights China’s ongoing commitment to advancing robotics technology and artificial intelligence.
In Hong Kong, as midnight struck, incense smoke filled the air at local temples where crowds lined up to make their New Year wishes. People held clusters of incense sticks, bowing their heads in reverence before placing them in designated containers in front of the temple halls. This ritual is a common practice that symbolizes hope and renewal as the New Year commences.
In Vietnam, the festivities took on a celebratory tone with outdoor countdown events featuring entertainers singing popular music. Fireworks lit up the skies in multiple cities during the festival known as Tet, accompanied by light shows that illuminated bridges and skyscrapers. The festivities drew enthusiastic crowds that clapped along to live performances, creating a lively atmosphere throughout the country.
Meanwhile, in Moscow, the vibrant spirit of the Lunar New Year was evident as people indulged in Chinese cuisine at street fairs. The festive decor included red lanterns and dragon motifs, setting the stage for a two-week-long celebration across various venues in the Russian capital. This year’s event marks the third annual Lunar New Year celebration in Moscow, reflecting the strengthening ties between China and Russia amidst geopolitical challenges, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
In Taiwan, a notable tradition saw the temple bell ring 108 times at the Baoan Temple in Taipei on Tuesday morning. This number is considered auspicious, and worshippers gathered to light incense sticks, bow their heads in prayer, and leave colorful flower bouquets as offerings at the temple grounds.
The Lunar New Year also saw significant participation from the Argentine community. Thousands of people gathered in Buenos Aires's Chinatown to join in the celebrations, enjoying traditional dragon and lion dances, alongside impressive martial arts demonstrations. The local Chinese immigrant community, which numbers more than 180,000 individuals, plays a vital role in enriching Argentina's cultural landscape.
As the Lunar New Year ushered in a time of joy and festivity, it also served to strengthen community ties and cultural identities among the diverse populations celebrating across the globe. The blend of traditional rituals, modern performances, and community festivities illustrates the enduring significance of the Lunar New Year in various cultures.
