MANILA, Philippines—Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Monday invited residents and visitors to welcome the Year of the Fire Horse and experience the Chinese New Year celebration at the Banawe Chinatown District on Feb. 17, 2026.
The celebration will honor Chinese and Filipino-Chinese heritage and position Banawe as a key cultural and tourism destination in the city, Belmonte said.
Chinese New Year, also known as the Lunar New Year, marks the beginning of the lunar calendar and is traditionally celebrated through family gatherings, food, music, and customs that symbolize renewal, prosperity, and good fortune.
“Chinese New Year is a meaningful time of renewal, hope, and shared prosperity not only for the Chinese and Filipino-Chinese community but for all QCitizens. By celebrating this tradition together, we recognize the deep contributions of the Fil-Chi community to our city’s history, culture, and growth, while strengthening the spirit of unity that defines our city,” she said.
The celebration which kicked off on February 10 with the Food Crawl, designed as a curated culinary journey along Banawe Street to highlight Chinese and Filipino-Chinese restaurants.
On Tuesday, the main celebration would be held along Banawe Street from Del Monte Avenue to N.S. Amoranto Street where the Bike Ride Banawe Loop would begin in the morning.
A Gallery Area featuring cultural workshops and interactive activities such as calligraphy, origami and Chinese painting, lantern making and painting, wishing tree installations, zodiac panels, and themed photo areas may also be explored by visitors.
Other key attractions include the bazaar and night market, with over 60 participating merchants from the Small Business and Cooperatives Development and Promotions Office, Maginhawa Food Community, QC Chinatown Development Foundation Inc., and art groups offering Fil-Chi cuisine, fruits, traditional items, garments, charms, and themed merchandise.
Belmonte said local restaurants and business establishments along Banawe Street will join the Best Decorated Establishment Competition and transform their storefronts with Chinese New Year-inspired designs.
She said the concert in the evening would be complemented by cultural performances, including a lion and dragon dance and a mini float parade.
