On Saturday, San Francisco's historic Chinatown lit up with dancing lions, firecrackers, and decorated floats for the annual Chinese New Year celebration, ringing in the Year of the Dog.

A sashaying 288-foot Golden Dragon ("Gum Lung") glided up Geary Street: Manned by more than 48 volunteers, the exuberant flowing dragon was a new addition to this year's festivities, gifted by the Chinese Chamber of Commerce for the 29th annual Chinese Community Street Fair. Performers in elaborate costumes, jumping lions, and costumed marchers danced and encircled Gum Lung as firecrackers exploded everywhere, spitting crimson and taro-hued confetti.

Gongs clanged, street eats were doled out, and the colors, sounds and smells were almost too much to take in. Finally, Miss Chinatown U.S.A. and her court made their way, amid an array of stunning floats, down Market Street, up Geary to Post, and over to Kearny and Columbus where one of the largest celebrations of Asian culture outside of Asia takes place each year.

Here were some of the most vibrant sights from the weekend celebration. Gung Hay Fat Choi!