Across the world, hundreds of millions of people are welcoming the Year of the Snake as they celebrate the Lunar New Year with fireworks, family time and festive dances. In north and Southeast Asia, from China to Indonesia,

From public parades to traditional dances, here's how countries around the world are celebrating the Year of the Snake.

The selection was curated by AP photo editor Jon Orbach, based in Mexico City. Follow AP visual journalism:

A boy jumps to touch red lanterns hung on trees at the Ditan Park ahead of Lunar New Year in Beijing on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila) People offer prayers at the Baiyun Taoist Temple ahead of the Lunar New Year in Beijing,

Lunar New Year is one of the biggest celebrations of the year for those of Asian heritage, involving family gatherings, lion dances, fireworks and for children, the exchange of red envelopes stuffed with cash.

Firecrackers, parades and prayers marked the Lunar New Year as millions around Asia and farther afield celebrated

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.

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