BBC NEWS | In Pictures | In pictures: London's Chinese New Year

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Sunday, 18 February 2007, 17:19 GMT

In pictures: London's Chinese New Year

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Tens of thousands of people flocked to central London for the city's spectacular Chinese New Year celebrations. This year is the Year of the Golden Pig.

Chinese New Year in London

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Paper dragons were among the attractions as a colourful parade snaked its way through the streets of the capital.

Chinese New Year in London

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The route took in the Strand, Charing Cross Road and Shaftesbury Avenue. There were plenty of entertainments in Trafalgar Square and Leicester Square.

Chinese New Year in London

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Dragon and lion dances and traditional and contemporary Chinese arts and entertainments were on display. Organisers say the celebrations are the largest outside China.

Chinese New Year in London

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Chinese New Year is the biggest festival of the year in Chinese communities. Drums, gongs and cymbals ward off evil and bad luck.

Chinese New Year in London

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The Year of the Pig is supposed to bring good luck and prosperity. The Year of the Golden Pig is even rarer, and happens only once every six decades.

Chinese New Year in London

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As darkness fell, a display of traditional Chinese fireworks lit up Leicester Square.

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Related to this story:
China ushers in year of the pig (17 Feb 07 | Asia-Pacific )

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