The Quezon City government is all set to usher in the Year of the Wooden Snake as it mounts a vibrant and festive Chinese New Year at the city’s bustling Banawe Chinatown on Jan. 29.

The city’s Tourism and Promotions Department, in a kick-off event on Friday, rolled out the activities for the grand event that will transform Banawe Street into a bustling hub of culture, tradition, and festivities, highlighting the city’s appreciation for its Filipino-Chinese community and their contributions to local growth and heritage.

“Banawe is not just a street, it is a flavorful blend of culture, heritage, and community,” QC Mayor Joy Belmonte said during the media briefing at the Mandarin Sky Restaurant in Banawe.

“Over the years, it has become a hub where tradition meets modernity and where generations of QCitizens, visitors, and tourists alike have experienced the unique tastes, crafts, and spirit of our Chinatown.”

She said that in celebrating the biggest event for the Filipino-Chinese community in QC, the city government is committed to promote the city’s tourism and economic growth that would let residents and visitors experience its culture, community, and diversity.

The festivities will kick off in the morning of Jan. 29 with a Dance Fit session, to be followed by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Belmonte, marking the official launch of the newly redesigned Banawe Chinatown aimed at elevating the district as a premier cultural, tourism, and commercial hub in the city.

From Del Monte Avenue to Scout Alcaraz Street, visitors can explore a bustling bazaar featuring 50 food and non-food businesses where they can try authentic Chinese cuisines, and buy artisanal products and lucky charms.

A gallery featuring a wishing tree, a 360-degree photo booth, and Year of the Wood Snake predictions will also add a unique interactive experience to the celebration.

Cultural performances will also take center stage with the traditional dragon and lion dances, as well as a street dance competition showcasing the talent and creativity of QC youth from the various Chinese schools in the city.

Special guest performers will also grace the event featuring Ice Seguerra, Kyle Echarri, and Jed Madela to entertain guests and visitors.

To cap the event, the city government has prepared a spectacular fireworks display to light up the night sky.

Banawe was declared a tourism district in 2015 and has since become a center for Filipino-Chinese businesses.

Acting Chief Tourism Operations Officer Giana Barata highlights the significance of the celebration, noting that Banawe is not just a commercial area but a cultural hub that reflects the unity of the city’s Filipino-Chinese community.

“The celebration is a way to honor their traditions while fostering a deeper connection between our communities,” she said. (PNA)