Chinese New Year has been celebrated throughout the world.

Most South African celebrations of this kind usually turn into a cultural celebration of the unity and diversity of South Africa's Post-Apartheid Rainbow Nation.The food, the music and surroundings generally reflect this. And the 2012 Chinese New Year Celebration - Honouring the Year of the Dragon - was no different.

Chinese South Africans and South Africans of all races and ages partied in the streets of Johannesburg to usher in the Chinese New Year 2012. The Year of the Dragon natsound fireworks.

These celebrations are being held in Marshalltown, in Johannesburg, the oldest Chinatown in South Africa, which was established in 1903.

Many South African Chinese families have a rich history here... and every year they come here to Marshalltown, to celebrate their heritage and the Chinese New Year.

This year most of these people said they hoped the Year of the Dragon would bring them, peace, prosperity, happiness and financial success. Certainly a sentiment echoed around the globe - whether you're celebrating Chinese New Year or just praying and hoping for your country's economy to start looking up.

(CNTV.cn January 27, 2012)