Chinese New Year 2018: colourful celebrations in London and around the world to mark the Year of the Dog

Today is Chinese New Year which means there is no end of vibrant, colourful celebrations happening all over the world.

The biggest event in the Chinese calendar, the occasion is also known as the Spring Festival, and it’s marked by many countries around the world from China to the United States and Australia. 1.4 billion Chinese people are expected to celebrate the arrival of their New Year today.

Typically public celebrations are parades and festivals full of incredible performances, colourful props and light shows surrounding the theme of the New Year. This year it is the Chinese Year of the Dog which means those born in 2018, 2006, 1994, 1982, 1970 and 1958 are all ‘dogs’.

The traditional belief is that the animal you’re represented by can tell you a lot about your personality and with each animal comes a different type. This year’s dog is the ‘Earth Dog’ which last appeared in 1958. Earth dogs are communicative, serious and responsible in work.

Parades and festivals are part of the cultural fabric of the Lunar New Year but families also celebrate the occasion privately. The day before New Year, families will gather for a banquet usually containing dumplings and other traditional dishes. Children will then be given red envelopes which contains 'luck money' for the year ahead.

The festivities usually last from New Year's Eve for 15 days, where the end of the events are marked by a lantern festival.

For those that can't join a parade, The Chinese New Year's Gala is watched by millions who want to see the celebrations. The show lasts for four hours and shows festivities as well as performers, singers and magicians.

It was first aired in 1983 and is thought to be the most-watched programme at any one time on the planet.