GETTING READY Iloilo City is dressing up for its grand Chinese New Year celebration from Jan. 27 to Jan. 31, as shown in this Jan. 23 photo, blending the shared culture and growth of the Filipino and Chinese communities in the city. 鈥擯hoto courtesy of Junvic Arborilla via the Iloilo City government/Facebook
ILOILO CITY, Philippines 鈥� The local government here is poised for a grand celebration as it marks the 21st Chinese New Year festivities with vibrant cultural events, reflecting the enduring bond between the Chinese and Filipino communities in this part of Western Visayas.
The celebration will span multiple venues, including the Iloilo Freedom Grandstand, Iloilo Downtown Area, SM City Iloilo, and Iloilo Business Park from Jan. 27 to 31.
Themed 鈥淧rovidence: A celebration of grace, gratitude and growth,鈥� the event highlights the shared heritage and collaborative spirit that have shaped Iloilo City鈥檚 growth.
Iloilo Festivals Foundation Inc. (IFFI) president Allan Ryan Tan emphasized the cultural and economic importance of the celebration.
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鈥淭his celebration highlights harmony between the Chinese and Filipino communities. Iloilo takes pride in being the first city outside Metro Manila to host such an event,鈥� he said.
The festival has grown into the largest Chinese New Year celebration outside Metro Manila, reflecting its significant role in uniting diverse cultures and showcasing Chinese traditions.
Transformative year
This year鈥檚 zodiac sign, the Wooden Snake, symbolizes wisdom, transformation, and resilience鈥攓ualities celebrated throughout the festivities.
Ateneo de Iloilo-Santa Maria Catholic School (ADI-SMCS), a major partner of IFFI for the festival, takes the lead in honoring the contributions of Iloilo鈥檚 Chinese community, which owns an estimated 90 percent of businesses in the city.
鈥淚t鈥檚 a moment to pause, give thanks, and dream for a brighter tomorrow,鈥� shared Fr. Joseph Raymund Patrick Sanchez, ADI-SMCS president.
This year鈥檚 highlights include cultural presentations at the Freedom Grandstand and the Iloilo Downtown Area from Jan. 27 to Jan. 29; thanksgiving Mass at Santa Maria鈥擟hinese Filipino Parish on Jan. 29; a bustling food festival along Aduana Street on Jan. 30; and a cultural parade featuring 5,000 participants from schools and organizations, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display at the Freedom Grandstand on Jan. 31.
IFFI board chair Judgee Pe帽a underscored the economic influence of the Chinese community in Iloilo, attributing to their contribution to the city鈥檚 robust business environment.
The festivities, Pe帽a said, not only celebrate Chinese traditions but also foster stronger unity between the Ilonggo and Chinese communities, aligning with Iloilo鈥檚 vision for continued progress.