HOUSTON - A large number of overseas Chinese in Houston Sunday celebrated China's traditional Lantern Festival, one of the most important festivals to the Chinese people home and abroad

A variety of events were held by Chinese organizations in Houston to mark the festival, which falls on January 15 of China's lunar calendar.

It has been the ninth year since the Wong Family Benevolent Association of Houston began to hold its annual lantern festival gala, where an array of Chinese traditional customs could be appreciated, such as riddle-guessing, dragon dance, singing and dancing, and the must-have for lantern festival -- rice ball.

The most eye-catching at Sunday's gala were the parents of famous Chinese basketball star Yao Ming and his 20-month-old daughter Yao Qinlei. The trio took to the stage, where little Qinlei wished everyone a happy year of the Dragon.

Chinese Consul General in Houston Xu Erwen attended the celebration and wished all overseas Chinese in the city a happy new year.

Representatives of US Congresspersons Al Green and Sheila Jackson Lee also joined the event and sent best wishes to local Chinese in the Year of the Dragon.