Chinese New Year

The Chinese New Year in Manila most believe that it began with the mythical conquest of Nian. The term Nian means year that was a monster that hunted people the night before the New Year. But an old man dared to tell the monster to prey on other monsters that can be a match to him than the helpless humans. It seems the monster bought the idea and went his way.

No matter the origin of the Manila Chinese New Year festival the celebration is a major event amongst the Chinese community in the South East Asia. During this time the houses are decorated, the debts are repaid and all are prepared to step into a new year. The doors are decorated with the gold and red scrolls that are inscribed with wishes with good charms and also the doors and the windowpanes are given a fresh paint.

It is said that the Chinese community came to Philippines in the 10th century. When the Spanish conquistadors came to Philippines in the 16th century they found a community of Chinese merchants. They then supplied the Spanish with the food and other economic services.

The Chinese New Year in Manila is celebrated with all the fun and excitement as in any region. There is a big parade in the Binondo region that features the Manila Chinatown Millennium Dragon and that is 228 feet long and is brightly colored with the colors of Philippine flag. Behind the big dragon during the Manila's Chinese New Year festival there are two other small dragons, two southern lions, two northern lions, nine carps, two unicorns and a phoenix.

During the Chinese New Year in Manila would be a time to feast on the culinary delights especially in the Binondo area where the diners are homely. The dishes served are the old time favorites.

AsiaRooms provides information on Chinese New Year, Manila and for further information check the other web links of AsiaRooms