The first new moon of the lunar calendar officially ushered in the new year in many cultures Wednesday, marking the imminent arrival of spring and the first day of the Year of the Snake, which symbolizes good luck, rebirth and regality.

Festivities are taking place on the corner of St-Laurent and René-Lévesque boulevards in Montreal's downtown, including outdoor workshops, a large inflatable sculpture in the form of a snake, a mural,

Based on the Chinese zodiac, the Lunar New year goes by a 12-year cycle. Each year is represented by a different animal, and 2025 welcomes the year of the snake (the sixth animal