London's Chinatown holds vibrant celebration to ring in Chinese New Year

London on Sunday hosted one of the largest Chinese New Year celebrations outside Asia, drawing tens of thousands of visitors to the heart of the British capital to share in the festivities.

The Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, fell on Jan. 29 this year, ushering in the Year of the Snake. The snake is the sixth sign of the Chinese zodiac, symbolizing wisdom, self-discovery and transformation.

Featuring various performances, including traditional lion and dragon dances, the event kicked off with a New Year's parade. Vibrant costumes, beautifully decorated floats and a chance to dance have attracted crowds of people in the city.

"I like that London celebrates Chinese New Year. My outfit is from China and it's from some of my family," said a kid, dressed in traditional Chinese clothing.

"London is so multicultural, isn't it? And just to see the cultures all getting along and to be able to celebrate with the people so close to Chinatown, it's just one of those real heartwarming London type of things," said a local resident.

And as the crowds packed out London's famous Trafalgar Square, China's Ambassador to the UK delivered a New Year's message.

"The huge turnout today is a testament to your support for China-UK cooperation, to your aspiration for working together among all countries. So, thank you for coming to this celebration," said Zheng Zeguang, Chinese Ambassador to the UK.

London's deputy mayor joined in the Eye Dotting ceremony - a tradition to awaken the lions ahead of their dance. She paid tribute to the close cultural ties between Britain and China.

"If anyone were ever to walk past and see how many people from so many backgrounds who are here in Trafalgar Square, all come together just to be part of our Chinese New Year celebrations. This is what is great about diversity and this is what is great about our city," said Debbie Weekes-Bernard, Deputy Mayor of London.

So far, London's Chinese New Year has transformed from a small community event to the biggest celebration outside of Asia.

London's Chinatown holds vibrant celebration to ring in Chinese New Year

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that Iran has obtained extensive documents and evidence linking the recent unrest across the country to the U.S. and Israel, noting that Mossad agents attempted to direct such "terrorist acts."

Araghchi said at a press conference in Tehran that since Dec 28, 2025, Iran had seen peaceful demonstrations organized by industry associations and economic professional. In the following days, more participants joined, and the situation gradually escalated from peaceful rallies into violent clashes.

Beginning on Jan 8, terrorists and armed groups carrying weapons entered protest sites and opened fire on police and civilians, with the aim of steering demonstrations toward violence, bloodshed and chaos, he said.

"Israeli media reports are rife with claims that Israel has designed and conducted operations in Iran. Mr. [Mike] Pompeo, who was Trump's CIA director, said on his X that 'Happy New Year to every Iranian in the streets. Also to every Mossad agent walking beside them.' This clearly shows that Mossad agents attempted to direct such terrorist acts," the minister said. Addressing military threats from the U.S. and Israel, Araghchi said Iran does not seek war but is fully prepared to face up to war. He added that Iran is ready for serious and pragmatic negotiations with the U.S., but the talks must be based on fairness, equality and mutual respect, rather than unilateral pressure or directives from Washington.

On the same day, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the U.S. and Israel at a regular press briefing in Tehran. He said the two countries have made "extensive interventionist remarks" regarding Iran's situation, saying such statements are intended to foment chaos, violence and instability.

The spokesman said Iran is closely monitoring the development of the situation and remains fully prepared, warning that Iran's armed forces will respond to any act of aggression by its enemies.

Mossad agents attempt to direct terrorist acts: Iranian FM