Rites Around the World

Trumpet music and beating drums reverberated through the streets of the Bolivian city of Oruro to kick off pre-Carnival festivities.

The church holds an annual February clown service in memory of Britain's best loved clown, Joseph Grimaldi, who lived from 1778-1837.

During the carnival, people dress up as the "Kurent", a fluffy but demon-like creature that banishes the winter and heralds the arrival of spring with loud noise and dancing.

The lanterns were released during a traditional pilgrimage to pay homage to Lord Buddha and bless Thailand as it enters the new year.

The Black Nazarene, a life-size wooden statue of Jesus Christ carved in Mexico and brought to the Philippines in the 17th century, is believed to have healing powers in the predominantly Roman Catholic country. It is paraded through the narrow streets of Manila's old city from dawn to midnight. Police said about 500,000 people joined the procession on Wednesday.

The Lunar New Year, or Spring Festival, begun on February 10 and marked the start of the Year of the Snake, according to the Chinese zodiac.

Millions across China are celebrating the arrival of the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Snake, marked with a week-long Spring Festival holiday.