Chinese New Year 2025 in Philippines

Chinese New Year has been celebrated in the Philippines for a long time since ethnic Chinese comprise about 5% of the population. It has become an official holiday and a day off which raised celebrations to a larger scale.

Manila Chinatown Binondo was founded in the 16th century, which makes it one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world. Binondo is the center of all Lunar New year celebrations in the Philippines. The whole area is lined with lanterns and red decorations. The red color is supposed to bring luck in the new year. People often wear red clothes or give money in red envelopes.

Parades of Dragons and Lions is the favorite part of the festivities. Colorful dance with twists and twirls attracts the most massive crowds of spectators on Ongpin Street, the major street of Chinatown. It gets filled with spectators, vendors, and performers.

Chestnuts are a favorite street food on Chinese New Year. Pineapples are also a popular Lunar New year gift in the Philippines as well as pomelos and other citrus fruits. Rice cakes can be easily found everywhere. Chinese Filipinos also feast on whole fish, noodles, and dumplings.