Mauritius is the only African country that observes Spring Festival or Chinese New Year as an officially recognized holiday. Everyone enjoys time off work and school to mark the occasion. The festival has deep roots on the island, which has been home to many Chinese families for nearly three centuries.

CGTN Africa's Daniel Plafker reports live from the capital Port Louis, where a parade is underway to mark the beginning of the Year of the Rat. Tune in to see how the Mauritians add their special flair to the festival's age-old traditions.