European cities join in the celebrations

Enthusiastic Londoners — Asians and non-Asians alike — lined up along the 1 kilometer route, cheering and wishing one another xin nian kuai le ("happy new year" in Mandarin) as the parade passed.

Sadiq Khan, mayor of London, says on social media: "London would not be the great city it is without the contribution of its East Asian and Southeast Asian communities.

"From my family to yours, I wish everyone celebrating, both in London and around the world, a happy Lunar New Year and a prosperous Year of the Rabbit."

Many people brought their children. One mother says: "I actually came with mom when I was really small, and I remember it very clearly. So I thought my little one would like to see it, too."

Other activities like couplet-writing, handicrafts, traditional Chinese clothes and photo-taking booths had been set up around Chinatown.

Another mother with two children says:"We came down just to help the children see all the different celebrations that take place all around the world, and let them know about different cultural calendars. It's really an excuse to celebrate."