Sidewalk stalls and crimson streets are starting to look busy in Binondo—the world’s oldest Chinatown, located in Manila.
As the Chinese Lunar New Year draws near, vendors and business owners in Binondo are beginning their preparations, selling pendants, statues, and different chains or lucky charms that depict the Fire Horse—the lucky element and animal according to the Chinese zodiac for 2026.
In the spirit of the famed Binondo food crawl, more and more food stalls are setting up leading to the celebration. In front of the Binondo Church, the Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz is starting to crowd in anticipation of the Asian Street Food Festival, featuring a grand feast of flavors from February 1 to 21 in celebration of year-round prosperity.
The Chinese New Year wouldn’t be complete without the lighting of the Prosperity Horse on February 9, 6 PM at Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, the Grand Countdown Fireworks Display on February 16, 9 PM at the Jones Bridge, and the Grand Parade on February 17, 2 PM from the Manila Post Office to Lucky Chinatown Mall. Don’t miss out on this prosperous celebration!
Do you have memorable experiences celebrating the Chinese New Year in Binondo? Let us know in the comments below!