Manila kicks off Chinese New Year celebrations

Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna led the celebration of the 2025 Chinese New Year on Friday night at Binondo Square, Manila.

“For over 430 years, Chinatown has been a significant part of our culture,” she said.

“Throughout the centuries, this place has stood as a symbol of unity and cooperation among our Filipino-Chinese friends and has significantly shaped the capital city’s character, economy, trade, and industry,” she added.

The lighting of the Prosperity Tree was accompanied by a fireworks display and several dragon dance performances, marking the start of the five-day Chinese New Year or Lunar New Year celebration.