PHOTOS: Year of the Horse gallops in with Lunar New Year prayers, robots and firecrackers

Millions of people across China and other East Asian nations welcomed the Year of the Horse with traditional prayers, vibrant parades, and spectacular fireworks displays during the Lunar New Year celebrations, marking the most significant annual holiday in the region that honors ancestral traditions and family reunions. The festivities, which began on the first day of the lunar calendar, featured elaborate dragon dances, red lantern decorations, and sumptuous family feasts featuring symbolic foods like dumplings and fish. Major cities including Beijing, Hong Kong, and Taipei hosted spectacular events with millions participating in street parades and temple ceremonies. Beyond Asia, Lunar New Year celebrations have gained global recognition, with major cities hosting festivals in Chinatowns and cultural centers. In New York, London, and Sydney, communities organized parades and cultural performances attracting diverse crowds, while technology played a role in some celebrations with robotic performers and digital light shows blending tradition with modern innovation.