The Lunar New Year started with several loud bangs in New York City's Chinatown yesterday.

Firecrackers blasted away the evil sprits just after dragon dancers gobbled up heads of lettuce to bring good fortune.

Under confetti and smoke from the firecrackers, hundreds of people ushered in the Year of the Horse.

Tsai Shen, the god of fortune, was on hand to ensure prosperity for all.

For the next two weeks, people around the world will celebrate the new year.

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