The celebration has been launched in the Czech Republic to share the joy and culture of the Chinese lunar New Year with the Czech people.

Zhang Jianmin, Chinese ambassador to the Czech Republic, said the celebration was kicked off as the first of a series of events to mark the 70th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between China and the Czech Republic.

"It is the best way to help build a bridge to connect the people of the two countries," said the ambassador.

The celebration has been held ahead of the Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, which starts on Feb. 5. The year 2019 will be the "Year of the Pig" in the Chinese lunar calendar.