Chinese New Year(春节 (Chūnjié)) in 🇵🇭 Philippines

Chinese New Year in the Philippines has been a regular national holiday since 2012, reflecting the significant influence of the Filipino-Chinese community (Tsinoy) on the country's culture and economy. Binondo in Manila, the world's oldest Chinatown (established in 1594), is the epicentre of celebrations.

Dragon and lion dances weave through the narrow streets of Binondo, with firecrackers popping and drums thundering. Businesses and homes hang red decorations, and tikoy (nian gao, sticky rice cake) is the essential food gift. Tikoy is typically sliced, dipped in beaten egg, and pan-fried until golden and crispy.

Filipino-Chinese families host elaborate reunion dinners featuring pancit (noodles for long life), whole steamed fish, lechon (roast pig), and hopia (flaky bean-paste pastries). Ang pao (red envelopes) are distributed generously, and the Filipino love of lucky charms extends to wearing polka dots (round shapes resembling coins) and displaying twelve round fruits.

Beyond Manila, significant celebrations take place in Cebu City's Colon Street Chinatown and Davao's Chinese community areas. The Filipino enthusiasm for noise-making during the Gregorian New Year carries over, with firecrackers and car horns adding to the festive din. Shopping malls nationwide host dragon dances and special sales.

The most important traditional Chinese festival marking the beginning of the lunar new year, celebrated with family reunions, red envelopes, fireworks, dragon dances, and elaborate feasts.