Red Lantern Festival today

CEBU Philippines —  After the Sinulog Festival, Cebuanos get to enjoy another celebration with this year’s Red Lantern Festival at Plaza Sugbu, held today, February 8, 2025.

According to the City’s Tourism Office, the event provides Cebuanos and the Chinese community a unique opportunity to highlight the cultural bonds that unite them.

Originally planned to coincide with the Chinese New Year, the festival was moved to a later date due to last month's Sinulog Festival.

This year’s Red Lantern Festival will kick off with a parade featuring around 500 participants, primarily from the City’s Chinese community. The parade will start at Freedom Park, pass through Magallanes Street, and conclude at Plaza Sugbu.

Stunning lantern displays, traditional Chinese music, and performances will be enjoyed by the public, along with a Chinese and Filipino food market offering diverse culinary delights.

A spectacular fireworks display is expected to cap off the celebration. In line with this festival, the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) advises that there will be a full road closure today.

“Motorists should expect slow-moving traffic in the affected areas and are advised to take alternative routes to avoid delays. We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring a safe and organized event,” reads part of CCTO’s advisory.

The full road closure will be implemented on a portion of Magallanes Street (from the corner of Manalili Street up to D. Jakosalem Street) starting at 4:00 PM, as per approved TMC Resolution No.: 03-007-2025.

Rerouting will be in effect for the affected areas, with "No Entry" signs placed at the intersections of Magallanes and Manalili Streets and Magallanes and D. Jakosalem Streets. Traffic enforcers and signage will be deployed to guide motorists and pedestrians. (CEBU NEWS)