Photos: Far East Center Celebrated the Lunar New Year

A Chinese lion danced at the Far East Center during Lunar New Year parade. Evan Semon Photography

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The Far East Center celebrated the Lunar New Year — and the start of the Year of the Snake — the first weekend of February. Hundreds of people crowded the center at 333 South Federal Boulevard to watch parades with the Shaolin Hung Mei Kung Fu, as well as the Guiding Mountain Dragon & Lion Dance Association.

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Chinese New Year attendees laughed when attacked by a dancing Chinese lion.

Evan Semon Photography

The Year of the Snake is believed to bring out perceptiveness, intelligence and grace. In Chinese culture, the snake is often linked to the element of fire, which signifies passion, energy and transformation.

Here's more of the weekend's action:

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A master ice carver put the finishing touches on an Ice sculpture of two wood snakes.

Evan Semon Photography

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A dancing lion.

Evan Semon Photography

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A traditional Chinese lion made its way down South Federal Boulevard.

Evan Semon Photography

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A celebration of all things Chinese, including famed film star Bruce Lee.

Evan Semon Photography

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Nuggets Mascot "Rocky" led the parade with a wood snake around his neck.

Evan Semon Photography

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Chinese lions posed with elected officials.

Evan Semon Photography

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A dancer in the parade.

Evan Semon Photography

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Fireworks lit the way for Lunar New Year celebration.

Evan Semon Photography

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Nuggets Mascot "Rocky" led the parade at the Far East Center.

Evan Semon Photography

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Chinese lions provided good luck and guidance for the Year of the Snake celebration.

Evan Semon Photography

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Out of my way!

Evan Semon Photography

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Celebrants at Lunar New Year party.

Evan Semon Photography

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Beautiful pageantry and traditional Chinese dance.

Evan Semon Photography

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The celebration lasted two days at the Far East Center.

Evan Semon Photography

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Traditional Chinese music played through a rare woodwind instrument.

Evan Semon Photography

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Digital 3-D printed Happy Buddha statues.

Evan Semon Photography

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The Year of the Snake should bring good luck.

Evan Semon Photography