The Lantern Festival marks the end of Chinese New Year.  Check out all the cool photos!

Dude…this whole lit up thing is a LANTERN!  (photo: Vincent Du / REUTERS)

For over 300 years, it’s been a tradition to spray MOLTEN IRON at 1,300° C (2,372° F) against a cold concrete wall to form sparks.  I am glad I’m not this dude because I happen to be allergic to throwing molten iron at cold walls.  I’m not kidding.  (photo: Jason Lee / REUTERS)

People begin to release sky lanterns.  The tradition of releasing lanterns began when people fled to the mountains because their villages were being raided.  When it was safe to return, the village watchmen released lanterns as signals. (photo:  Nicky Loh / REUTERS)

You like all the pretty pretty?  I do.  But sadly, this year’s Lantern Festival wasn’t all fun and games.  An unauthorized fireworks show set a skyscraper on fire in downtown Beijing.  The building was unoccupied, but one firefighter died fighting the blaze.

Reason #1 why you shouldn’t play with fireworks when you’re not supposed to. (photo: China Daily / REUTERS)

And Reason #2.  (photo: Jason Lee / REUTERS)

To read more and to see bigger versions of these and a lot more pics, go here.

Thanks to Chris!  Who just says no to illegal fireworks.