As always, the Chinese Lunar New Year means fun and a lot of noise.

Fire-crackers, drums, and gongs. 

Los Angeles' Chinatown celebrated the Year of Dragon over the weekend, attracting hundreds of visitors with a dragon parade, lion dance, martial arts and acrobatics.

In China, the holiday, also known as the Spring Festival, is celebrated from the first day of the first month of the lunar year until a Lantern Festival on the 15th day.

As one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, the dragon signifies good fortune and power.

This Chinese Lunar New Year began on January 23, 2012. 

Here are some highlights of performances at the Central Plaza in Chinatown:

Gracie can be reached here.