Today, Chinese New Year celebrations in the Philippines reflect a harmonious blend of Chinese and Filipino customs. Some of the most iconic practices include: Dragon and Lion Dances: A staple of Chinese New Year festivities, these performances are believed to chase away evil spirits and bring good luck. In the Philippines, these dances are not Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is celebrated with much fanfare around the world, marking a time of renewal, family reunions, and vibrant cultural expressions. But nowhere is this celebration quite as unique as in the Philippines, where Chinese traditions intertwine with Filipino customs to create a truly Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or Spring Festival, is one of the most widely celebrated occasions in the Philippines, reflecting the country’s rich multicultural heritage 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 The Lion and Dragon Dance is a fun and festive kick-off for the Chinese New Year celebrations across the Philippines. With the rhythmic beat of drums and cymbals, performers dressed as lions or dragons dance through the streets. It symbolizes luck and prosperity while keeping the evil spirits at bay for new beginnings. The most common Filipino practices that come with the Chinese New Year is the giving and eating of tikoy (or nián gāo), the giving of ang pao (red envelopes with money inside them), and the wearing of red-colored clothes. Of course, as with any celebrations in the Philippines, the Chinese New Year is also a celebration of familial ties. In the Philippines, where Chinese heritage is intertwined with the local culture, the celebrations are nothing short of spectacular. Whether you're looking for grand parades, intimate family gatherings, or cultural performances, here's a look at some of the best places in the Philippines to ring in the Chinese New Year. The celebration begins on the first day of the lunar calendar, so it is also called Lunar New Year, and it is considered the beginning of spring, so it is also called Spring Festival. The Chinese Zodiac refers to the year 2012 as the Year of the Water Dragon. Sources: PhilStar, Chinese Culture In the Philippines, Chinese New Year is more than just a calendar event; it’s a celebration of diversity, unity, and the rich tapestry of cultural influences that define the nation. The fusion of Filipino and Chinese traditions creates a symphony of colors, tastes, and sounds that resonates with the spirit of a nation proud of its No celebration of Chinese New Year is considered complete without the traditional favorite, tikoy. Known also as glutinous rice cake or “nian gao,” this treat symbolizes prosperity and success. And while the Chinese community in the Philippines only makes up 5% of the country’s total population, the Lunar New Year is still one of the most awaited events here. How Filipinos celebrate Lunar New Year: Traditions and superstitions Most Filipinos flock to Binondo in Manila for the Lunar New Year. A buyer checks lucky charms for the coming Chinese New Year at Binondo district, said to be the oldest Chinatown in the world, in Manila, Philippines on Monday, Feb. 5, 2024. Crowds are flocking to Manila’s Chinatown to usher in the Year of the Wood Dragon and experience lively traditional dances on lantern-lit streets with food, lucky charms 3. Lunar New Year Celebrations in the Philippines. In the Philippines, Chinese New Year traditions always include lots of good food, and even people who don’t celebrate the holiday look forward to the dishes they can expect during the festivities. The most popular of these Filipino Chinese New Year foods is the “Chinese New Year’s cake Celebrate the Chinese New Year with The Manila Hotel’s delicious tikoy, a traditional sticky rice cake that symbolizes luck and prosperity for the year ahead! From January 6 to 19, 2025 , enjoy a special 30% discount on this beloved delicacy, perfect for sharing with family and friends. The Philippines is welcoming the 2025 Year of the Wood Snake with a series of vibrant events and cultural celebrations, including the unveiling of PHLPost’s special Year of the Snake postage stamps and a traveling stamp exhibition. Highlights include the Prosperity Trail at Robinsons Malls, featuring zodiac-themed displays, and a grand celebration at Lucky Chinatown [] How Chinese New Year started in the Philippines. The Chinese New Year was first declared by then President Benigno “Noynoy” S. Aquino III as a national holiday on February 19, 2015. During Chinese New Year celebrations in the Philippines, dancers perform the lion dance is performed in the main streets of Chinatown. The lion goes around collecting ang pao , the red envelopes usually hung at doors or gates. Chinese Filipinos celebrate the Lunar New Year in January or February. The government has designated it a special non-working day. CHINESE-FILIPINO TRADITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH THE LUNAR NEW YEAR. The food most fondly looked forward to during Chinese New Year in the Philippines is tikoy, a treat made from sticky rice. You can buy it from stores So, whether you’re a seasoned food enthusiast or a curious traveler eager to indulge in authentic Chinese cuisine, join us as we embark on a gastronomic odyssey through the Philippines during the joyous celebration of Chinese New Year. Where to celebrate Chinese New Year in the Philippines While the Chinese Lunar New Year is traditionally celebrated in China, it has become a special celebration in the Philippines every year. In fact, the Chinese New Year in the country is special for Filipinos and the local Chinese community as it marks the beginning of a new year. Learn more about the importance of the Chinese New Year here!
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