Davao celebrates Chinese New Year, releases LED Balloons

Flying balloons with LED light inside filled the sky of Davao | Photo by Albert Egot Jr

The sky of the Chinatown in Davao City was filled with colorful balloons with a light-emitting diode (LED) inside as dabawenyos gathered and welcomed the year of the wooden sheep. It's an innovation created by the city government and the Davao City Chinatown Development Council.

Dabawenyos and Chinese-Filipinos simultaneously released the balloons as replacement for the

Free lugaw and tikoy | Photo by Albert Egot Jr.

traditional flying lanterns . Of course, no fireworks.

The people were also entertained by local bands while the organizers gave free foods of luck – lugaw and tikoy. The traditional lion and dragon dance was also the highlight of the celebration. The fun continued until 1am.

The festival highlights include motorcade, exhibits, temple visits, fun run and , night market, The Chinatown in Davao covers Sta.Ana Avenue, Magsaysay Ave., and Leon Garcia Avenue.