The local government of Manila on Wednesday announced that the scheduled celebration of the Chinese New Year on 29 January 2025, will kick off on 24 January at the Plaza San Lorenzo.

In announcing the festivities, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna invited the public to take part, particularly in Binondo, home to the oldest Chinatown in the world.

Lacuna said the 430-year-old Manila Chinatown takes pride in being a must-see destination for local and foreign tourists, adding that a visit to the capital city is never complete without experiencing the Chinatown area.

City Administrator Bernie Ang, deputy chair of the Manila Chinatown Development Council, where Willord Chua serves as executive director, announced that the lighting of the Prosperity Tree, also known as the Money Tree, is slated for 5 p.m.

City officials and representatives from various Chinese-Filipino organizations are also expected to be in attendance.

Ang said that the events lined up leading to the Chinese New Year itself are done in coordination with and fully supported by the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. and the Manila Chinatown Barangay Organization headed by chairman Jeff Lau, who is currently running for third district Councilor under the slate of Lacuna and Vice Mayor Yul Servo.