Chinese New Year 2025 – Celebration at Binondo’s China Town

Chinese New Year 2025 – Celebration at Binondo’s China Town

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Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, once again hosted a grand celebration as the city welcomed the Year of the Wooden Snake. This annual event was a significant cultural festivity for the Filipino-Chinese community. It featured colorful displays, traditional performances, and a lively atmosphere filled with good fortune and prosperity. Ahead of the main festivities, the city marked the start of the Chinese New Year celebrations with the lighting of the Prosperity Tree (Money Tree) at Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz. This act symbolized hope, wealth, and prosperity for the coming year. It set the tone for the Chinese New Year that followed in the district.

The celebration commenced with the countdown event on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at Jones Bridge in Binondo, starting at 10 PM. The highlight of the evening was the lighting of the Filipino-Chinese Friendship Arch. This symbolic moment was led by Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna and Chinese Ambassador Huang Xilian. A spectacular fireworks display and drone show at midnight followed, officially ushering in the new lunar year.

The Festivities

To accommodate the influx of visitors and ensure a smooth flow of events, the city government announced road closures starting at 12:01 AM on January 28 for the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge. From 9 PM onwards, Jones Bridge, Quintin Paredes Street, and Plaza Cervantes were also closed. Alternative routes were provided for motorists, allowing easier navigation around the event venues. On Tuesday night, revelers enjoyed a pre-countdown program at Jones Bridge. The official countdown to the Chinese New Year at midnight followed shortly after. The event featured cultural performances, traditional dances, and speeches from key officials. It all culminated in an electrifying display of fireworks and synchronized drone formations over the historic bridge.

The festivities continued on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, with a Lucky Chinatown Lion Dance at 10 AM. This performance brought good luck and prosperity to businesses and visitors alike. Later in the afternoon, the much-anticipated Grand Thanksgiving Parade took place, led by Mayor Lacuna and Ambassador Huang. The parade featured an elaborate display of dragon dances, elaborate floats, and colorful performances that showcased the deep-rooted traditions of the Filipino-Chinese community. For those who visited Binondo during the celebration, it was the perfect opportunity to immerse in its rich history and culture. Visitors indulged in authentic Chinese cuisine at well-known restaurants. They also explored historical sites and temples, making the district a memorable experience blending the past and present seamlessly.

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How to get there?

Via Public Transportation

  • LRT-1: Alight at Carriedo Station, then take a short jeepney or tricycle ride to Binondo.
  • LRT-2: Get off at Recto Station, walk towards Juan Luna Street, or take a jeepney bound for Divisoria.
  • MRT-3: Transfer to LRT-1 at Taft Station, then follow the same route from Carriedo.
  • Bus or Jeepney: Take any route passing through Quiapo, Divisoria, or Sta. Cruz, then walk or ride a tricycle to Binondo.
  • UV Express: Look for UV Express vans with routes heading to Divisoria or Binondo.
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