The Quezon City Government is inviting residents and visitors to the Chinese New Year 2026 celebration in the Banawe Chinatown District on 17 February 2026, marking the start of the Year of the Fire Horse. The event highlights Chinese and Filipino-Chinese traditions and cultural practices in the area.
The celebration began on 10 February 2026 with a Food Crawl along Banawe Street, featuring restaurants such as King Chef Banawe Branch, Uniku Taiwanese Restaurant, Sincerity Fried Chicken, Juwei by King Chef, Banawe Soybean Curd, and The Coze Café. The activity was organized by the Quezon City Tourism Department together with the Quezon City Association of Filipino-Chinese Businessmen Inc., media representatives, content creators, and accredited tour guides.
The main event on 17 February 2026 will run from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., stretching from Del Monte Avenue to N.S. Amoranto Street. Morning activities include the Bike Ride Banawe Loop, which starts at Z Square Mall and ends at N.S. Amoranto Sr. Avenue.
Visitors can explore a gallery area featuring cultural workshops and interactive activities, including calligraphy, origami and Chinese painting, lantern making, wishing trees, zodiac panels, and themed photo areas. Over 60 vendors will participate in a bazaar and night market, offering Fil-Chi cuisine, fruits, traditional items, garments, charms, and merchandise.
At 3:00 p.m., a Drum and Lyre Competition will feature six schools: Commonwealth High School, Batasan Hills National High School, Lagro High School, North Fairview High School, San Bartolome High School, and Sta. Lucia High School. Local businesses along Banawe Street will also compete in a Best Decorated Establishment contest.
The celebration will conclude with an evening concert headlined by Jameson Blake and Hey June!, cultural performances including lion and dragon dances, a mini float parade, a Chinese face-changing act, and a fireworks display at 8:00 p.m., followed by busker and DJ performances.
The event provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to engage with Chinese New Year traditions and experience cultural activities along Banawe Street.