The Chinese New Year 2025, falling on Wednesday, January 29, ushers in the Year of the Wood Snake. This much-anticipated celebration marks the start of a new lunar year and holds deep cultural significance for Chinese communities around the world.
In the Philippines, where Chinese traditions have blended seamlessly with Filipino customs, preparations for Chinese New Year are a vibrant and meaningful affair.
Preparations for the Year of the Snake
As the Year of the Wood Snake approaches, Filipino-Chinese families and communities prepare for the festivities with great enthusiasm. One of the first steps is the ritual of cleaning and decluttering homes.
This act symbolizes sweeping away misfortunes and creating space for good luck and prosperity. Decorations in red and gold, such as lanterns, banners, and Chinese calligraphy, adorn homes and public spaces. These colors, associated with happiness and wealth, create an atmosphere of joy and optimism.

In communities like Binondo in Manila, dragon and lion dances are central to the celebrations. These lively performances, accompanied by beating drums and clashing cymbals, are believed to drive away evil spirits and bring blessings for the year ahead.
Food preparation is another integral part of Chinese New Year. Families gather to cook and enjoy symbolic dishes such as tikoy (sticky rice cake for family unity), dumplings (wealth), long noodles (longevity), and whole fish (abundance).
Traditions and Rituals
The Chinese New Year is also a time for honoring ancestors. Families offer food and burn incense at ancestral altars, showing respect and gratitude to those who came before them.
Family reunions play a significant role in the celebrations, with festive meals emphasizing unity and togetherness. Giving red envelopes or *ang pao* filled with money to children and unmarried relatives is another cherished tradition. This act is seen as a way of passing blessings and good fortune to the younger generation.
Lucky charms and feng shui rituals also take center stage. Many families consult feng shui experts to arrange their homes and workplaces in ways that attract prosperity, health, and harmony in the coming year.
Community Celebrations
In the heart of Manila’s Binondo district, the world’s oldest Chinatown, the streets come alive with festivities. From dragon and lion dances to traditional Chinese food stalls, the vibrant atmosphere captivates both locals and tourists. Businesses host special promotions, and restaurants serve exclusive New Year menus that highlight authentic Chinese flavors.
Shopping malls and community centers across Metro Manila also join the celebrations, organizing cultural shows and activities such as calligraphy workshops, lantern-making contests, and zodiac readings. These events not only promote Chinese culture but also foster camaraderie among people of all backgrounds.
Chinese New Year in the Philippines is more than a cultural event; it is a testament to the country’s diversity and inclusivity.
The traditions, rituals, and celebrations are a reflection of shared values—family, prosperity, and hope. As the Year of the Wood Snake approaches, the Filipino-Chinese community prepares to welcome it with open arms, blending tradition with modernity and spreading good fortune to all.