Chinese New Year is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture, and has strongly influenced Lunar New Year celebrations of its 56 ethnic groups, such as the Losarof Tibet (Tibetan: ལོ་གསར་), and of China's neighbours, including the Korean New Year (Korean: 설날; RR: Seollal), and the Tết of Vietnam,^[5] as well as in Okinawa.^[6] It is also celebrated worldwide in regions and countries that house significant Overseas Chinese or Sinophone populations, especially in Southeast Asia. These include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar,^[7] the Philippines,^[8] Singapore,^[9] Thailand, and Vietnam. It is also prominent beyond Asia, especially in Australia, Canada, Mauritius,^[10] New Zealand, Peru,^[11] South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States, as well as various European countries.^[12][13][14]

Three young people dress up in animal skins and cover themselves with oil and soot before chasing the villagers with their claws out!

Beware if you’re in their path as they’ll try to smear you with soot!

BEAR FESTIVAL : February 19, 2023 in PRATS-DE-MOLLOIn the village of Prats-de-Mollo-La-Preste, the emphasis is on the rite of passage from wild man to civilised man.

Three young people dress up in animal skins and cover themselves with oil and soot before chasing the villagers with their claws out!

Beware if you’re in their path as they’ll try to smear you with soot!

Let the delirious crowd engulf you in a crazy chase through the little village streets!

Once captured and shaved, the bear returned to human form is granted the privilege of choosing a young girl from the crowd.