Yahoo Sport 
When is Chinese new year, why is it celebrated and what is the animal sign?
Chinese new year 2024 is almost upon us, with millions of people across the globe getting ready to celebrate.
Festivities to mark the occasion, also known as lunar new year or spring festival, run from February 10 until 17. Chinese New Year falls on February 10.
There are 12 Chinese zodiac animals, each of which is linked to certain characteristics and elements, and they rotate each year, with 2024 being the year of the dragon. The animal occupies the fourth position in the Chinese zodiac.
The 12 zodiac animals are the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.
Here are a few more facts you need to know before celebrations begin.
What is Chinese new year and why is it celebrated?
Chinese new year marks the start of the new year, according to the traditional Chinese lunar calendar.
In mainland China it is usually referred to as the spring festival. It is one of several lunar new years celebrated in different Asian countries.
Red decorations are a common sight during Chinese new year. It is a lucky colour in China and billions of “red envelopes” are sent to family and friends each year to mark the occasion.
More than two billion people celebrate the festival worldwide.
It is a national holiday in countries including Indonesia, Vietnam, South Korea, Malaysia, North Korea and Taiwan.
What is the 2024 Chinese zodiac?
According to the Chinese zodiac, 2024 is the year of the dragon.
It starts on February 10 and ends on January 28, 2025.
Those born in the year of the dragon are said to be strong, successful, honourable, and fortunate.
Past and future years of the rabbit are 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, and 2012.
How is Chinese new year celebrated in London?
The main parade in London, the biggest of its kind outside Asia, usually attracts hundreds of thousands of people from the capital and the rest of the UK. The major set-piece event usually involves parades, processions, and performances.
The main parade usually starts in Charing Cross Road, before going through Shaftesbury Avenue. It ends with the lion eye-dotting ceremony in Trafalgar Square.
