Binondo, Manila. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/FileMANILA — Binondo, the world’s oldest Chinatown, is gearing up for festivities to celebrate the Year of the Wooden Snake.

“This year’s celebrations promise unforgettable experiences that reflect Manila’s vibrant spirit while honoring our cultural roots,” said Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna.

The celebration kicked off Friday with a Prosperity Tree Lighting at Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz at 5 p.m. A food bazaar showcasing Chinese cuisine and local delicacies accompanied the event, along with cultural performances, including the highly anticipated dragon dance.

“Importante po ang prosperity tree yung ila-light up natin. This signifies pag-light up din ng ating mga goals, mga plans, at para maging prosperous ang 2025 natin,” said Hans Cua, a Chinese astrology expert.

Master Hanz Cua Daily Feng Shui Predictions for January 24, 2025

The city government has also announced a countdown to the Year of the Wooden Snake on Tuesday, Jan. 28, at Jones Bridge in Binondo, starting at 11 p.m.

Isasagawa ang ceremonial lighting of prosperity tree sa Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz sa Binondo, Maynila ngayong Biyernes ng ala-5 ng hapon bilang parte ng selebrasyon ng Chinese New Year. | #SelfiePatrol ni @KaxandraSalonga pic.twitter.com/V0As31sYcv

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) January 24, 2025

The celebrations will continue on Chinese New Year Day with a Golden Parade at 2 p.m., showcasing traditional lion dances, colorful floats, and cultural performances that celebrate the Filipino-Chinese heritage.

“Ang Chinese New Year ay isa sa mga tradisyon ng mga Pilipino para maging maswerte sila. At dahil sa pag-celebrate ng mga Pinoy, ang pagtanggap nila sa Chinese New Year, dito po nagiging mas strong o mas pinagbubuklod ang magandang samahan ng Pinoy at Chinese,” said Cua.

The events are organized by the Manila Chinatown Development Council, Culture and Arts of Manila, and the Manila Chinatown Barangay Organization, in partnership with the city government.

Meanwhile, prices of symbolic lucky items, such as fruits and money trees, are expected to increase on Ongpin Street as Chinese New Year approaches.

For instance, the Kiat Kiat tree, widely believed to attract wealth, is projected to cost between P7,000 and P8,000 this year. However, according to fruit merchant Justin Tiedra, the price is lower than in 2023 when it reached P12,000 due to higher demand at the time.

Money trees may attract good fortune, but Cua believes that success in 2025 will hinge more on collaboration and teamwork.

“Ang characteristic po ng year of the Wooden Snake, is like a vine kung saan nakikikapit siya sa matataas na branches para ma-reach niya yung kanyang mga success sa 2025,” explained Cua. “Kailangan natin yung character on how to collab, partner, teamwork, upang tayo’y maging successful.”