Moscow launched a special metro train decorated with traditional Chinese symbols on Wednesday to mark the Lunar New Year

Moscow launched a metro train decorated with Chinese motifs for the Lunar New Year on Wednesday amid strengthening relations with one-time rival China.

MOSCOW - Moscow unveiled a themed metro train on Wednesday to mark the start of the Spring Festival, the traditional Chinese New Year according to the lunar calendar.

From Beijing to Hanoi and Moscow, the holiday — known as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea — is a major festival celebrated by diaspora communities around the world. Wednesday marks the start of the Year of the Snake, one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac.

Asian American communities around the U.S. and around the world are ringing in the Year of the Snake Wednesday, including in New York City. The Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year or Spring Festival,

Firecrackers, parades and prayers marked the Lunar New Year as millions around Asia and farther afield celebrated. Wednesday is the start of the Year of the Snake, one of 12

Lunar New Year festivals and prayers have marked the start of the Year of the Snake around Asia and further afield – including in Moscow. The holiday – known as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea – is a major festival celebrated by diaspora communities around the world.

Video. Moscow celebrated the Lunar New Year with vibrant festivities, reflecting the strong relationship between Russia and China.

The holiday — known as the Spring Festival in China, Tet in Vietnam and Seollal in Korea — is a major festival celebrated by diaspora communities around the world

Moscow launched a metro train decorated with Chinese motifs for the Lunar New Year on Wednesday amid strengthening relations with one-time rival China. (AP video/Vladimir Kondrashov)

Lunar New Year festivals and prayers marked the start of the Year of the Snake around Asia and farther afield on Wednesday — including in Moscow. Hundreds of people lined up in the