Chinese New Year celebrated across world

The Chinese New Year, which starts with the Spring Festival, was celebrated across the world on Saturday, featuring lively performances that created a festive atmosphere.

In Melbourne, Australia, the local Chinese community organized a grand celebration filled with the sounds of drums and crowds cheering.

Food stalls that offered Chinese delicacies captivated many visitors.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the event and expressed his wish to see stronger ties between Australia and China.

"And with Chinese New Year, and Lunar New Year celebrations right around our great country, families, friends and communities are coming together to share what is centuries of tradition. We gather to welcome the Year of the Snake, in the spirit of joy, surrounded by vibrant color and energy," he said.

Overseas Chinese in Paris hosted a temple fair to celebrate UNESCO's recognition of the Spring Festival as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. At the event, local residents experienced the festive spirit of the Chinese New Year as lion dance performers captivated the public with their lively and unique performance in celebration.

"Happy Chinese New Year to you all. Last year marked the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and France, ushering in a new decade of positivity," said Xavier Bertrand, president of the regional council of Hauts-de-France.

In Cape Town, South Africa, the Chinese New Year 2025 celebration presented local audiences and foreign visitors with a rich cultural feast infused with a Spring Festival atmosphere.

Thousands gathered at the bustling Victoria and Alfred Waterfront for a festive gala, immersing themselves in music, performances and cultural displays.

Vibrant red lanterns swayed against the clear blue skies, bringing the legislative capital of South Africa to life with the joyous atmosphere of the Spring Festival.

"I really love the Chinese culture and I'm also learning how to speak Chinese," said a local resident.

In London, dancers performed traditional Chinese lion dances in the Chinatown district to celebrate the Year of the Snake.

These lions made their way from restaurant to restaurant and from business to business, offering blessings and prosperity for the year ahead.

Business owners came out, greeted the performers and offered some food in return for the blessings bestowed upon them for the coming year.

According to the Chinese lunar calendar, the Spring Festival fell on Jan. 29 this year, marking the beginning of the Year of the Snake. The snake is the sixth animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac, representing wisdom, intuition, and strategic growth.

Chinese New Year celebrated across world

The Iranian government is focusing on public concerns and maintaining stable supplies of essential goods amid recent protests, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a televised interview on Sunday.

In the city of Karaj, northwest of the capital Tehran, daily life has largely continued as normal. A video filmed by a local resident on Sunday shows food stores open and grocery shelves fully stocked.

"This is the block near my home, and there are some food stores here. Daily life continues here. Last night we did not see many protests in Karaj. Right now the city is very safe. This is a grocery store close to my home. All the food is available; nothing is in shortage. Here are noodles and different types of beans. Here are dairy products, cheese, and yogurt. I also checked other grocery stores and didn't see any shortages. Everything is available," said local resident Ali Reza.

Iranian officials have described recent disturbances as acts orchestrated by the "enemy," including some carried out by well-trained and armed "terrorists." The incidents have caused casualties among security personnel and civilians, as well as property damage.

The Secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani has directed authorities to severely punish the "terrorists."

Meanwhile, Iran's police chief Ahmad-Reza Radan said on Sunday that the police had raised alert levels and arrested several leaders of the troublemakers during the operations on Saturday.

President Pezeshkian noted in the interview that the normal demands of the Iranian people are reasonable and justified, but they must realize that triggering riots and carrying out terrorist acts are the enemy's attempts to undermine the country. He urged the public to remain vigilant.

Also on Sunday, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned that Tehran would regard U.S. and Israeli bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" if Washington takes military action against Iran. His remarks followed media reports saying U.S. President Donald Trump is "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran.

Iranian state media reported that at least 109 members of Iran's security forces have been killed in clashes since the protests began 14 days ago. Meanwhile, human rights groups based outside the country said the number of protesters killed has exceeded 200, though the figure could not be independently verified.

The protests initially erupted over a sharp depreciation of the rial and sweeping subsidy reforms. Iranian authorities have blamed the unrest on foreign-linked agents and sanctions imposed by the United States.

Iranian president says government focusing on ensuring supplies amid protests