The first new moon of the lunar calendar officially ushered in the new year in many cultures Wednesday, marking the imminent arrival of spring and the first day of the Year of the Snake, which symbolizes good luck, rebirth and regality.

The world welcomes the Year of the Snake for Lunar New Year on Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025. See how various countries celebrate with decorations, food and performances.

This year, the Lunar New Year falls today — Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2025 — marking the start of the Year of the Snake. The Lunar New Year, also widely known as Chinese New Year, falls on a different date every year because it is determined by the lunar calendar, where the first day of the month begins during the new moon.

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,

Many Chinese who work in bigger cities return home during the eight-day national holiday in what is described as the world's biggest annual movement of humanity.

Chinese New Year or the Lunar New Year is being celebrated on January 29, 2025, across many US cities marks the Year of the Wood Snake.