by Jonalyn Jurl B. Teliaken
February 9, 2026
BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Baguio City’s Chinese Lunar New Year celebration has long been a special tradition, rooted in the city’s strong ties with the Filipino-Chinese community and symbolizing renewal, unity, and shared prosperity. On February 9, 2026, the City of Pines once again welcomed the festival at the Baguio City Hall grounds, with vibrant activity and a lively sense of cultural pride.
The Chinese and Filipino communities once again worked together at the 28th Spring Festival, upholding a long-standing relationship built on tradition, culture, and friendship. The festival grew into a symbol of unity, reflecting the close relationships that have shaped Baguio’s culture. This year’s Spring Festival also ushers in the Year of the Fire Horse, a zodiac sign symbolizing strength, movement, and renewal.
The festival’s beginning has been traced to Ordinance No. 8 series of 1999, which recognized Baguio as the country’s first city to formally institutionalize Chinese New Year celebrations. The festival has grown into a living symbol of the everlasting friendship between the Chinese and Filipino communities, featuring lively parades, traditional lion and dragon dances, and cultural performances that connect generations through shared history.
During the festival’s opening, Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s speech highlighted the deeper meaning of the Fire Horse, describing it as a symbol of strength, freedom, and progress. He explained that the fire element represents passion and growth, reminding the community that 2026 is a year to move forward with confidence and purpose.
“Act with integrity, then bring change with optimism and courage. As we celebrate this Spring Festival, may the Year of the Fire Horse ignite our hopes, strengthen our unity, and inspire us to move ahead with new passion and positivity,” he said.
The mayor also emphasized the importance of balance, noting that the Fire Horse calls for advancing with courage while staying grounded in shared values. It serves as a reminder to support one another and grow together as a community, even as individuals strive for strength and determination.
His words reflected the spirit of the festival, honoring tradition while looking to the future and reminding the community that progress is most powerful when achieved together. The event also marked the launch of the Spring Festival’s schedule of activities.
Spring Festival 2026 Calendar of Activities
• February 10, 2026 – Media Fellowship Night
6:00 PM – Supreme Mall & Events Center, Titanium Hall
• February 13, 2026 – Barangay Gift Sharing
2:00 PM – Middle Quirino Hill Covered Court
• February 15, 2026 – Spring Festival Little Chinatown
9:00 AM – Session Road
• February 18, 2026 –
Grand Colorful Parade
2:30 PM – Session Road → Magsaysay → Melvin Jones Grandstand
Dinner Awards Night (ticketed)
7:00 PM – Supreme Mall & Events Center, Meritus Hall
• February 22, 2026 –
Chinese New Year Fun Run
5:00 AM – Session Road
Spring Festival Little Chinatown
9:00 AM – Session Road
As the festivities continue, Baguio City looks forward to a year filled with unity, culture, and shared hopes, inviting everyone to celebrate together and carry the spirit of the Fire Horse into the days ahead.
Photo by Jonalyn Jurl B. Teliaken