This year, Lunar New Year and Ramadan landed almost on top of each other. On February 17, Binondo drew huge crowds for the Year of the Fire Horse. By the evening of February 18, Muslim communities were preparing for Ramadan, with fasting set to begin at dawn on February 19.
In Manila’s Chinatown, dragon dancers pushed through dense foot traffic along Escolta and toward the Post Office. The Manila Police District went on full alert and deployed about 1,600 officers. Fireworks were limited to specific areas, including Binondo Bridge and the rooftop of Lucky Chinatown Mall. That decision was not symbolic. Last year, authorities counted roughly two million visitors in the area, including people who traveled in from nearby provinces. The scale alone requires planning.
For local vendors, the celebration is practical as much as cultural. Tikoy stalls stay busy. Restaurants fill up. Small businesses often rely on this week to start the year strong.
At almost the same time, attention in other parts of the country turned upward. Moon-sighting groups reported that the crescent had not been seen on February 17. The Bangsamoro Grand Mufti declared the following day the 30th of Shaaban, setting Ramadan to begin on February 19.
Lunar New Year and Ramadan Under the Same Sky
The shift in atmosphere is noticeable. Lunar New Year spills into the streets. It is noisy, crowded, and outward. Ramadan moves differently. Fasting from sunrise to sunset changes daily routines. Evenings grow more active as families gather for iftar. Days feel slower.
There is no contradiction in that contrast. Both observances follow the moon. Both reset the calendar in their own way. And both sit comfortably within the national landscape.
The Philippines remains predominantly Catholic, yet Chinese New Year is a declared special non-working holiday. Ramadan’s beginning is formally announced through recognized religious authority in the Bangsamoro region. These are established parts of public life.
Two moons rose over the country this week. One above lantern-lit streets in Manila. One above communities preparing for a month of restraint. Different energies, same sky.
