Red banners, lanterns, art displays and live performances created an experience that some were surprised to see.

Celebrations vary from culture to culture, but typically on the first day of Lunar New Year people visit the senior members of their extended family. One of the most recognizable celebrations is lion dance troupes, a dramatic tradition meant to usher in the New Year and expel evil spirits.

Large crowds watched dancers and drummers in London on Sunday to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year. The holiday - known as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea - is a major festival celebrated in several Asian countries.

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

The Lunar New Year is the most important holiday in China and many other Asian countries. Celebrations will last until mid-February.

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.

Festivities are taking place on the corner of St-Laurent and René-Lévesque boulevards in Montreal's downtown, including outdoor workshops, a large inflatable sculpture in the form of a snake, a mural,