Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year is one of the most important traditional holidays in China, and it is also recognized as a special non-working holiday in the Philippines. The holiday serves as a bridge day between the old and new years and is filled with various customs and traditions. The Philippine Chinese community, which forms a significant part of the country's population, celebrates it heartily with rituals, dragon dances, festive foods and red decorations.
Celebrating the Chinese New Year in the Philippines distinctly blends Chinese traditions with Filipino customs, which provides a unique cultural fusion. This special festivity is marked by visits to Chinese temples, respect for ancestors, emphasis on family reunions, and giving of 'ang-pao', or red envelopes with money inside, to youngsters and employees. It is believed that these customs bring good luck, prosperity and ward off negative energy for the coming year. Markets and shopping malls offer a variety of Chinese goods and food items to cater to the celebrational needs of the public.
Apart from its cultural and traditional significance, the Chinese New Year is also an opportunity for the Filipinos to take a break from work as it is declared a public holiday. Various events and special programs including street bazaars, firework displays, and dragon & lion dance performances are set up in different cities, predominantly in Manila's Chinatown, Binondo, which is one of the oldest Chinatowns in the world. This colorful and vibrant festivity not only showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Chinese-Filipino community but also enhances the multicultural fabric of the Philippines.