Moscow launched a metro train decorated with Chinese motifs for the Lunar New Year on Wednesday amid strengthening relations with one-time rival China.

As part of deepening Russia-China ties, Moscow hosting series of events to celebrate Chinese New Year - Anadolu Ajansı

Moscow launched a special metro train decorated with traditional Chinese symbols on Wednesday to mark the Lunar New Year

The holiday — known as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea — is a major festival celebrated by diaspora communities around the world

Asian American communities around the U.S. and around the world are ringing in the Year of the Snake Wednesday, including in New York City. The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival,

Lunar New Year festivals and prayers have marked the start of the Year of the Snake around Asia and further afield – including in Moscow. The holiday – known as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea – is a major festival celebrated by diaspora communities around the world.

Millions worldwide celebrate Lunar New Year with firecrackers, incense, dances, and wishes for good luck and prosperity.

Prayers, lion dances and firecrackers have marked the Year of the Snake as Lunar New Year festivals got under way around the world. The pop-pop-pop of firecrackers greeted the new year outside a temple in Malaysia’s capital, Kuala Lumpur, on Wednesday, followed by lion dances to the rhythmic beat of drums and small cymbals.

Moscow launched a metro train decorated with Chinese motifs for the Lunar New Year on Wednesday amid strengthening relations with one-time rival China. (AP video/Vladimir Kondrashov)

From Beijing to Hanoi and Moscow, the holiday — known as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea — is a major festival celebrated by diaspora communities around the world. Wednesday marks the start of the Year of the Snake, one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac.

Lunar New Year festivals and prayers marked the start of the Year of the Snake around Asia and farther afield on Wednesday — including in Moscow. Hundreds of people lined up in the