As the streets of Binondo light up in hues of red and gold, the rhythmic beat of drums echoes through Manila’s historic Chinatown—signaling the arrival of Chinese New Year 2025.
The scent of freshly cooked dumplings fills the air, dragon dancers weave through crowds, and families gather over feasts of tikoy and whole fish, all in hopes of ushering in prosperity for the Year of the Wood Snake.
More than just a festival, Chinese New Year (CNY) is a cultural bridge, uniting generations of Filipino-Chinese and native Filipinos in shared traditions. While Binondo takes center stage, echoes of these festivities ripple across the Philippines—from Davao’s bustling Chinatown to Cebu’s old Chinese settlements, proving that the influence of Chinese heritage runs deep in the Filipino way of life.
Binondo, home to the world’s oldest Chinatown, is the heartbeat of Chinese New Year celebrations in the country.
Established in 1594 as a settlement for Chinese traders, the district has since evolved into a vibrant commercial hub where Filipino and Chinese cultures blend seamlessly. From family-owned businesses practicing ancient feng shui principles to modern entrepreneurs launching digital ang pao transfers, Binondo is where the past meets the present.
This year, Manila’s local government, in collaboration with various Filipino-Chinese organizations, has lined up festivities leading up to the grand CNY countdown at Jones Bridge on January 28. The Prosperity Tree Lighting at Plaza San Lorenzo, the Grand Chinatown Parade, and a weeklong food bazaar promise to make Binondo the ultimate cultural hotspot this season.
While Metro Manila—particularly Binondo, Makati, and Quezon City—sees grand-scale celebrations, other parts of the country also welcome the Lunar New Year with their own twists.
Cebu and Davao, home to large Filipino-Chinese communities, host their own dragon dance performances, temple visits, and grand feasts.
In Iloilo, the city’s Chinese heritage is celebrated alongside the Dinagyang Festival, proving that cultural traditions beautifully intertwine in the Philippines.
Even in smaller provinces, Chinese-owned businesses participate in offering discounts or hosting festive giveaways, ensuring the Lunar New Year spirit is felt nationwide.
Beyond the firecrackers, red lanterns, and Tikoy towers, Chinese influence is deeply woven into Filipino culture—from the lucky charms in our wallets (hello, Feng Shui believers!) to everyday Hokkien loanwords like gimik (from “ge mi” meaning “to go out”), lumpia, and even siopao.
Chinese values of family, hard work, and prosperity have shaped Filipino customs, business practices, and superstitions. And as Chinese New Year continues to be embraced by Filipinos of all backgrounds, it becomes more than just a celebration for the Filipino-Chinese—it becomes a festival for all Filipinos.
So whether you’re lighting incense at a Buddhist temple in Binondo, feasting with family in Makati’s Chinatown, or simply enjoying your share of Tikoy at home, Gong Xi Fa Cai!
May the Year of the Wood Snake bring you prosperity, good health, and meaningful connections in the year ahead.