By Gabriela Baron
After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Quezon City’s Chinese New Year celebrations are back in full force.
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said activities in celebration of Chinese New Year on Sunday, Jan. 22, are already planned.
“Ito po ay isang tradisyon ng ating pong lungsod ang pagdiriwang ng Chinese New year bilang pagpapahalaga sa Filipino Chinese community dito sa lungsod [ng] Quezon,” Belmonte said.
“Malaking komunidad po ito at nais po naming kilalanin ang kanilang napakaraming kontribusyon sa kaunlaran po ng ating mahal na lungsod,” she added.
This year’s activities include the Chinatown Float Parade, dragon and lion dance performance, food festival and bazaar, and a fireworks display.
Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines Huang Xilian will serve as guest of honor at the celebration.
About 600 uniformed personnel will be deployed by the Quezon City Police District to ensure the safety of those participating in the activities.
Meanwhile, a portion of Banawe Street from Cuenco Street to Quezon Avenue will be temporarily closed for the Chinese New Year celebration.
Road closure and re-routing will begin from Saturday, Jan. 21 from 9:00 p.m. to Sunday, Jan. 22 at 9:00 p.m.
Motorists are advised to take alternate routes and expect slow traffic flow in the area due to the influx of people participating in the festival. With a report from Ryan Lesigues-ag
