Binondo, the oldest Chinatown in the world, is a vibrant place where Filipino-Chinese and local communities celebrate Chinese New Year with rich traditions and lively events.
As the Lunar New Year approached, the streets came alive with colorful decorations, dragon dances and delicious food, all marking the start of a hopeful new year.
Chinese New Year, also known as the Spring Festival, follows the lunar calendar and is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture.
Each year is linked to one of the 12 zodiac animals, which is believed to influence people’s fortunes and lives. The celebration is about renewal, reflection, and hope for the future.
Here are some key traditions:
Cleaning and decluttering: Families clean their homes before the new year to remove bad luck, but they avoid cleaning on New Year’s Day to keep good fortune from being swept away.
Red decorations: Red is the color of luck, happiness, and prosperity. Streets, homes, and shops are decorated with red lanterns and banners to bring good fortune and ward off evil spirits.
Family Reunion Dinner: The New Year’s Eve meal is a time for families to gather and enjoy symbolic foods:
• Dumplings for wealth
• Fish for abundance
• Noodles for longevity
• Tikoy (nian gao) for progress and growth In the Philippines, lumpia (spring rolls) and pancit (noodles) are also common additions.
Ang Pao (Red Envelopes): Parents typically give their children ang pao after the reunion dinner, offering blessings for good health, growth, and success in their studies.
Lion and Dragon Dances: These dances, performed with loud drums and cymbals, are believed to drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune. The dragon dance symbolizes the arrival of spring, while the lion dance honors local deities and blesses businesses.
Firecrackers and Fireworks: Firecrackers set off to scare away bad luck, and fireworks light up the night sky, symbolizing a fresh start and good fortune.
In Binondo, the celebrations blend tradition with modern festivities, making it a lively and exciting place to celebrate the Lunar New Year.