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 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 As we celebrate the longstanding fusion of Filipino and Chinese cultures during Chinese New Year, these Chinese New Year traditions are great reminders of how rich and diverse our heritage is. During the festivities, we get to honor our ancestors and foster a deeper sense of community and connection. This is one of the reasons why even non-Tsinoys celebrate Chinese New Year. While the more traditional Chinese New Year customs—like the dragon and lion dances, the noodle toss, among others—continue to be practiced by Filipino-Chinese families and even in some commercial establishments (hotels and restaurants), these are not observed by many. The annual event, also known as “Lunar New Year” or “Spring Festival,” brings together Filipino and Chinese communities in a colorful and joyous celebration that spans generations. The cultural melting pot. At the heart of this festive amalgamation lies the undeniable influence of Chinese culture in the Philippines. Although the Filipino-Chinese comprise a small portion of the population, under the Aquino administration, the Philippines began celebrating the Chinese New Year as a non-working holiday in 2012. Filipino and Chinese peoples share a centuries-old bond, connected through years of migration, trade, and cultural exchange. This vibrant tapestry is especially evident during Chinese New Year, a festival that explodes with color, sound, and mouthwatering flavors in China and the Philippines. Ringing in the New Year with a display of fireworks and the popping of firecrackers is a custom observed by both Filipino and Filipino-Chinese communities during the Chinese New Year celebrations. 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 Do the Philippines Celebrate Chinese New Year? Even though it is not a national holiday in the country, Philippine citizens have widely celebrated Chinese New Year. In fact, 5% of the Chinese population is within the country that celebrates this special event with many festivals and activities, such as the Lantern Festival. Chinese people all over the world celebrate the Lunar New Year, also known as the Chinese New Year. Since the Diaspora, the Chinese have become prominent members of almost every country’s population. In the Philippines, the Chinese have greatly influenced every aspect of Filipino culture. So is Chinese New Year a holiday in the Philippines? Filipino-Chinese communities in the Philippines celebrate Lunar New Year every year in hope of attracting prosperity, closer family ties and peace. Most Filipino-Chinese families usually clean their homes thoroughly, prepare lucky money in red envelopes, serve sweet foods and display various food and fruits on a table, which is believed to Advertisement Working in Philippines during Chinese New Year Chinese New Year is a special non-working holiday, which means that it is not a paid holiday, but if employees do work on the day then they are entitled to 30 percent extra pay for the hours worked. What cultures celebrate ChineseRead More → 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,” made of glutinous rice, called the tikoy in Singaporeans celebrate Lunar New Year as one of the most auspicious holidays of the year, as well. Because there is such a big Chinese community in Singapore, many of the same cultural Click to see more about Chinese New Year date. 5. Why Do the Chinese Call Chinese New Year 'Spring Festival'? Chinese New Year always falls within half a month of 'Start of Spring' (beginning February 4), the first of the 24 solar terms of China's traditional solar calendar. The Significance of Lunar New Year in the Philippines. Chinese New Year holds deep cultural and social significance in the Philippines: Cultural Identity: For the Filipino-Chinese community, the celebrations are a powerful way to connect with their heritage and strengthen their cultural identity. It’s a time to pass down traditions to younger Since the mid-1990s people in China have been given seven consecutive days off work during the Chinese New Year. This week of relaxation has been designated Spring Festival, a term that is sometimes used to refer to the Chinese New Year in general. The origins of the Chinese New Year are steeped in legend. One legend is that thousands of years Most Pinoys don't celebrate CNY, we mostly watch dragon dance performances, fireworks and the like to celebrate. If you plan to celebrate the Chinese New Year in the Philippines, it would probably be a good idea to visit Binondo, Manila during the festivities. Binondo is the oldest China town in the world. Ongpin street will be alive with How Do YOU Celebrate New Year’s Day? The New Years’ holiday is often marked by fireworks, parades, and reflection upon the last year while looking ahead to the future’s possibilities. Many people celebrate New Year’s in the company of loved ones, involving traditions meant to bring luck and success in the upcoming year.
Articles and news, personal stories, interviews with experts.
Photos from events, contest for the best costume, videos from master classes.
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |
![]() | ![]() |