From Tikoy to Red Outfits: Chinese New Year Traditions Filipinos Follow
The connection between Chinese and Filipino communities dates back centuries, with trade and migration allowing traditions from both cultures to naturally blend. This shared history is most visible in Binondo, Manila’s Chinatown, recognized as the oldest Chinatown in the world. Over time, Chinese New Year customs have become part of Filipino life, practiced not just within the Chinese-Filipino community but in households across the country.
Today, many Filipinos continue to observe these traditions and superstitions in hopes of attracting good luck, prosperity, and a fresh start. Here are some Chinese New Year practices Filipinos still follow to welcome the new year.
Cleaning the House Before Chinese New Year
Many Filipino families clean their homes thoroughly before the Chinese New Year begins. The belief is that cleaning clears out bad luck from the past year.
However, once New Year’s Day arrives, cleaning is avoided to prevent luck from being swept away. The act of sweeping, in particular, is associated with sweeping wealth away.
Something closely tied to pre-holiday cleaning is opening doors and windows, which is believed to allow good luck and prosperity to enter one’s home, especially at the start of the new year.
Watching Lion and Dragon Dances for Good Luck
Lion and dragon dances are believed to ward off evil spirits and attract prosperity. This is one tradition many Filipinos continue to uphold, often visiting establishments hosting these performances.
Many lion and dragon dance shows happen around Chinese NewYear’s Day or during the week leading up to it. Binondo’s Ongpin Street and the area around Lucky Chinatown Mall host performances throughout the day.
Other establishments, such as hotels and malls, also host this tradition as part of their Lunar New Year celebrations. The Peninsula Manila, for one, is welcoming the Year of the Horse with a Lion and Dragon dance performance at The Lobby on Feb. 17, 2026. This is accompanied by Chinese New Year-themed buffets and set menus, as well as specialty gift items available at their restaurants and boutique.
Similarly, shopping destinations like The Podium, Greenhills Mall, and Estancia will also have mall-wide performances on the day, as well as Instagram-worthy spots and other activities like drum performances, martial arts competitions, and mahjong nights.
Feasting with Family and Serving Lucky Foods
Sharing a meal with family is a tradition both Chinese and Filipino cultures hold dear, and this becomes even more meaningful during the Chinese New Year. Filipino households often join in the Chinese custom of serving “lucky foods” or dishes that symbolize prosperity, health, and harmony for the year ahead.
Some of the most common dishes include noodles, which symbolize long life and are served uncut to preserve the “length” of life; Fish, representing abundance and served whole to ensure completeness; Tikoy (glutinous rice cake), which symbolizes unity and harmony; Spring rolls for wealth and prosperity; and Oranges for luck and good fortune.
For Filipino families celebrating Chinese New Year, these dishes are more than just food — they’re a shared experience, a way to bond with relatives over familiar tastes while honoring centuries-old traditions. Many households will intentionally prepare these foods, while some will book a table at a fancy restaurant to celebrate. Most hotels offer Chinese New Year-themed buffets or lunch and dinner set menus that are perfect for families and big groups.
At Belmont Manila, diners can celebrate Chinese New Year with the Emperor’s Set Menu (P2,026) at Café Belmont, a carefully curated feast designed to usher in good fortune. Starting Feb. 7, the hotel also kicks off the Lucky Tikoy Festival, featuring unique flavors such as Ube, Peach Mango, and Salted Egg, giving families and friends a delicious way to welcome the new year.
Giving and Receiving Red Envelopes (Ang Pao)
Red envelopes filled with money are given as symbols of luck and prosperity. While traditionally given by elders, many Filipino families have adapted the practice to include godchildren, nieces, nephews, and even close friends.
When giving or receiving an ang pao, it’s common to say “Gong Xi Fa Cai,” a Cantonese greeting that literally wishes someone to “grow wealth,” or to have more money and prosperity in the coming year.
Gift giving is a common practice among Filipinos during this time, and while red envelopes are the most popular gifts, people also give tikoy to symbolize strengthening relationships and hampers to share blessings.
Hotel chains like the Shangri-La offer lavish hampers packed with exclusive gifts and delightful goodies. The Abundance Handbag Box (P3,188) at Shangri-La The Fort is a simple but lovely gift you can send to your loved ones. It features six pieces of Nian Gao of varying flavors, including black sesame and walnut, mango and peach gum, and purple sweet potato.
Makati Shangri-La is also offering an Abundance Hamper (P8,888) filled with festive favorites such as homemade egg yolk pastries, fortune cookies, fish-shaped rice cakes, Chinese tea, and more. You can browse more of their offerings here.
Wearing Red for Luck and Protection
Red is considered a powerful color during the Chinese New Year, believed to attract good fortune and ward off negative energy. For many Filipinos, wearing red clothing or accessories is more than just a nod to tradition. It’s a way to carry luck with them throughout the year, whether they’re attending celebrations, visiting family, or simply going about their day.
Fashion brands often embrace this tradition by releasing special Chinese New Year collections or capsule lines. Globally, Dr. Martens has swapped its iconic yellow stitching for bold red during the holiday, while luxury labels like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, and Dior roll out CNY-inspired pieces, from limited-edition handbags to festive footwear.
Singaporean brand Love, Bonito, recently released a Lunar New Year collection featuring festive silhouettes, Mandarin collars, and red or gold details. These capsule pieces make it easy for Filipinos to honor tradition while staying stylish, proving that red isn’t just symbolic… It’s a statement.
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