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Fireworks explode over the Victoria Harbour to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year in Hong Kong Monday, Feb. 11, 2013.
Lunar New Year is being celebrated in China and around the world.

Setting off fireworks to celebrate renewal and ward off evil spirits is a traditional part of the celebration. China virtually shuts down for the week as people visit with families in their hometowns.

Here's a collection of images from the holiday:

A qilin dance troupe performs at a village in Hong Kong Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, to celebrate the start of the Chinese Lunar New Year of Snake. ((AP Photo/Vincent Yu))

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A qilin dance troupe performs at a village in Hong Kong Monday, Feb. 11, 2013, to celebrate the start of the Chinese Lunar New Year of Snake. ((AP Photo/Vincent Yu))


Fireworks explode over the Victoria Harbour to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year in Hong Kong Monday, Feb. 11, 2013. ((AP Photo/Vincent Yu))