ILOILO City – The city government and the Iloilo Festivals Foundation, Inc. (IFFI) are set to celebrate the Year of the Wood Snake with grand festivities from January 27 to 29, 2025.
Under the theme “Providence: A Celebration of Grace, Gratitude, and Growth”, events will take place at multiple venues, including the Iloilo Downtown Area, Freedom Grandstand, SM City Iloilo, and Iloilo Business Park.
Now in its 21st year, Iloilo City’s Chinese New Year celebration has grown into the largest outside Metro Manila.
The Ateneo de Iloilo-Sta. Maria Catholic School will host this year’s celebration, highlighting the Chinese community’s vital contributions to Iloilo’s progress.
Judgee Peña, chairman of IFFI, cited the community’s significant role. Around 90% of businesses in the city are Chinese-owned, he said, underscoring their impact on economic growth.
IFFI president Allan Ryan Tan said the celebration is not only a showcase of Chinese culture and traditions but also a platform to strengthen unity between the Chinese and Ilonggo communities for the city’s continued development.
This year’s zodiac sign, the Wooden Snake, symbolizes wisdom, transformation, and resilience./PN
