Fil-Chinese community marks lunar New Year

By Paulo DS Papa

THE Chinese community in Naga City successfully held a series of festive events as part of their Lunar New Year celebration.

The celebration featured a street parade and traditional dragon and lion dances, reflecting their belief in attracting good luck and prosperity. These activities have become a yearly tradition, especially among members of the business and academic sectors.

On January 29, students from the Chinese Catholic St. Joseph School led the parade, which commenced at around 4:00 PM. The event highlighted vibrant traditional attire and concluded with a cultural show at Plaza Rizal shortly after the parade.

Last year, the cultural program was staged at Plaza Quezon, which is currently being redeveloped under Mayor Nelson Legacion’s administration as part of the local government’s infrastructure initiatives.

The festivities temporarily caused heavy traffic along J. Hernandez Avenue, as a portion of Gen. Luna Street was closed at 2:00 PM. Despite this, the parade captivated onlookers as it made its way from St. Joseph School along Panganiban Drive, Elias Angeles Street, and Caceres Street, before finally arriving at Gen. Luna Street for the program at Plaza Rizal.

In the days leading up to the Lunar New Year, the school’s dragon and lion dance groups entertained patrons at various business establishments, many of which are managed by Chinese business owners and taxpayers.

Scores of students from St. Joseph School joined the Chinese New Year celebration last Wednesday. In spite of the inclement weather, the festivities were in full swing. The event was highlighted by a traditional Lion and Dragon Dance along with the annual a Cultural Presentation hosted by the school. Photo courtesy of CEPPIO/JONATHAN NOBLE