Lantern Festival celebrations illuminate China

With a history of over 2,000 years, the Lantern or Yuanxiao Festival is celebrated on the 15th day of the first month on the Chinese lunar calendar, which falls on Saturday this year.

It marks the end of the Spring Festival period, and is a time when families and relatives come together to appreciate the first full moon of the Chinese New Year, admire beautifully illuminated lanterns, enjoy traditional performances, and partake in various festivities. It is one of the most important traditional festivals of China and has been widely celebrated by overseas Chinese throughout the world.