Dragon Dance / Procession, China on Chinese New Year, an important Chinese festival celebrated at the turn of the Chinese calendar. It is also known as the Spring Festival. The first day of the New Year falls between January 21st and February 20th. Dragon (and lion) dances are common during Chinese New Year. It is believed that the loud beats of the drum and the deafening sounds of the cymbals together with the face of the Dragon or lion dancing aggressively can evict bad or evil spirits.