The Year of the Horse galloped in on February 17, ushering in Lunar New Year celebrations across Asia marked by traditional prayers, lion and dragon dances, street fairs, and even humanoid robots. The festival, one of the most important in the Chinese calendar, drew crowds from Beijing to Buenos Aires, blending centuries-old traditions with modern innovations.
China: Tradition Meets Technology
In Beijing, thousands of people gathered at the historic Temple of Earth to buy snacks, toys, and charms, and to burn incense for happiness and success in the coming year. On national television, humanoid robots performed alongside children in martial arts sequences during the CCTV Spring Festival Gala, showcasing China’s advancements in AI. Some viewers applauded the technology, while others felt it slightly diminished the traditional festive atmosphere.
In Hong Kong, worshippers lined up at temples at midnight to offer incense and wishes, while in Taiwan, the Baoan Temple in Taipei rang its bell 108 times, an auspicious number as devotees offered incense and flower bouquets.
Vietnam: Tet Celebrations
Vietnamese communities celebrated Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, with lively countdowns, outdoor performances, and fireworks that illuminated bridges and skyscrapers. Crowds clapped along to live pop music as city-wide celebrations carried into the night.
Russia: Chinese Street Fairs in Moscow
In Moscow, Chinese-style street fairs drew crowds along snow-dusted streets decorated with red lanterns and dragons. Visitors sampled Chinese cuisine, watched performances, and took part in two weeks of cultural events, highlighting growing cultural ties between China and Russia.
Argentina: Buenos Aires Chinatown
Thousands gathered in Buenos Aires’ Chinatown for dragon and lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, and stage performances, reflecting the vibrant Chinese immigrant community in Argentina, which numbers over 180,000.
Philippines: Binondo at the Center
In the Philippines, celebrations were particularly vibrant in Binondo, Manila’s historic Chinatown. Streets and storefronts were adorned with red and gold, while markets sold lucky charms, tikoy (sticky rice cake), and symbolic items for prosperity. Lion and dragon dances, street performances, and a fireworks and drone show along Jones Bridge marked the festivities. Families gathered for meals, exchanged greetings of “Gong Xi Fa Cai”, and visited temples to pray for health and success.
Other areas in the Philippines with significant Chinese-Filipino populations also joined in the celebrations, emphasizing the holiday’s role in fostering cultural unity, commerce, and shared hope for the year ahead.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
