DAVAO CITY—This city will experience a more festive Chinese New Year celebration this year, according to the Chinatown Development Council of Davao City.
Jasper Huang, the council’s public relations officer, said the celebration will feature Chinese-themed food stalls during the countdown program on Feb. 15 at the Rizal Park.
Chinese lion and dragon dances will be the highlights of the celebration. Organizers said they will be giving away “tikoy” or rice cakes, the most popular delicacy each Chinese New Year.
Huang said during the countdown, Chinese-themed performances such as the dragon and lion dances of students from various Chinese schools are expected to be witnessed.
He said as part of the preparation for the festivity, the council has requested all establishments in the Chinatown area to put up Chinese lanterns or Chinese symbols outside their establishments.
The countdown program on Feb. 15 will start with a 5:30 p.m. Mass at the San Pedro Cathedral. The opening ceremony will start at 6:30 p.m.
The welcoming of Chinese New Year will end at midnight on the same day.
Mayor Sara Duterte and other Davao City officials are expected to grace the countdown activities.