Chinese New Year in the Philippines

When is Chinese New Year in Philippines?

Chinese New Year in Philippines is on January 29, 2025. It falls on Wednesday.

How many days until Chinese New Year in Philippines?

There are 278 Days left until Chinese New Year in the Philippines.

Is Chinese New Year a public holiday in Philippines?

Chinese New Year (otherwise called Spring Festival or Lunar New Year) is an observance and special non-working day in the Philippines which celebrates the start of the New Year based on the traditional Chinese calendar. Philippines is one of the countries with high Chinese population hence it is one of the massive festivities for the Chinese and Filipino-Chinese people in the country.

About Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year is one of the most important Chinese festivals that celebrates the start of a new year, following the traditional Chinese calendar. Most countries follow the Gregorian calendar; hence the celebration in most countries for the New Year takes place on the first of January. Meanwhile, the Chinese New Year is based on the traditional Chinese Calendar and it is usually celebrated in countries where there are a significant number of Chinese overseas, and that includes Philippines. In the Philippines, Chinese New Year is locally known as 'Bagong Taong Tsino'. Philippines has a large Chinese population hence it is declared as one of the special holidays in the Philippines, particularly the New Year’s Day itself. This holiday is also referred to as the spring festival or the lunar new year.


Chinese New Year Traditions in the Philippines

Chinese New Year is highly observed in some parts of the Philippines.

Dragon Dance

One of the most apparent practices during the Chinese New Year celebration is a special performance like the Dragon Dance. Dragon Dance is linked to a Chinese culture where a team of dancers simulates a lengthy flexible dragon. In China’s culture, Chinese Dragons are believed to bring good luck, which is why people believe that where the dragon dance is performed and how long the performance lasts, will reflect on the overall community’s luck for the entire year.

Lion Dance

Alternately, some areas would do a Lion Dance which represents the same concept -- great opportunities, good luck and growth for the new year. Both the dragon dance as well as the lion dance is believed to cast out evil spirits from the loud beating of the drums and other musical instruments like cymbals. In the Philippines, numerous establishments and communities organize Lion or Dragon Dance performances. That include malls, hotels, resorts, temples, and even public places.

Chinese New Year's Greetings

On this day, people usually give greetings to their friends and family with 'Kung Hei Fat Choi' (which means Congratulations and be prosperous in English translation), 'Gong Xi Fa Cai' or Happy Chinese New Year. In some parts of the Philippines, a fireworks display is organized.

Traditional Chinese New Year's Foods

For other Chinese and some Filipino families, they also enjoy traditional Chinese foods as part of the celebration which typically include tikoy, noodles, fish, dumplings, fruits, and some vegetables. Just like some countries, Chinese also have this belief that the foods they prepare and eat during New Year’s Day symbolizes something. For instance, uncut noodles represent long life, round-shaped fruits like pomelos, oranges and pineapples represent prosperity, peanuts and seeds symbolize good luck, round dumplings represent a family unit and perfection, among many others.

Chinese Lanterns and Decorations

It is very common to see Chinese lanterns and decorations around the country for the observance. Chinese calligraphy is a popular figure which are usually hung on walls or doorways. Chinese knots are also a common handcraft displayed around different parts. Chinese knots (otherwise called Chinese traditional decorative knots) refers to a handcraft which is typically in symmetry and double-layered. Such handcraft art is also popular in other countries in Asia like Singapore, Korea, Japan, and Hong Kong.

Dates of Observance for Chinese New Year
Year Date Day Holiday
2025 January 29 Wednesday Chinese New Year
2026 February 17 Tuesday Chinese New Year
2027 February 06 Saturday Chinese New Year
2028 January 26 Wednesday Chinese New Year
2029 February 13 Tuesday Chinese New Year
2030 February 03 Sunday Chinese New Year
Upcoming Philippines Holidays
Holiday Date
Lapu-Lapu Day April 27, 2024
Labour Day May 01, 2024
Independence Day June 12, 2024
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