Quezon City is gearing up for the Chinese New Year celebrations in Banawe, its designated Chinatown, with several roads set to be closed temporarily on Wednesday. The local government has taken to Facebook to announce that these closures will be in place from midnight until 9 p.m., facilitating the festivities that mark the arrival of the Year of the Wooden Snake.
The affected roads include Del Monte Avenue at Banawe Street, Linaw Street at Matutum Street, Banawe Street at Scout Alcaraz Street, Biak na Bato Street at Linaw Street, Sta. Catalina Street at Palanan Street, and Sta. Catalina Street at Ubay Street. Motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes to navigate around the closures. Suggested detours include traveling from Banawe Street (Quezon Avenue) to Del Monte Avenue via Sgt. Rivera Avenue, turning right onto Scout Alcaraz Street, then left onto Biak na Bato Street, and continuing to Del Monte Avenue. Another option is from Banawe Street (Quezon Avenue) to Del Monte Avenue via Mayon Street and A. Bonifacio Avenue, turning left onto Scout Alcaraz Street, right onto Matutum Street, and proceeding to Del Monte Avenue. For those coming from Banawe Street (G. Roxas Street) to Banawe Street via Quezon Avenue and Ma. Clara Street, drivers can take Del Monte Avenue, turn left onto Matutum Street, left onto Scout Alcaraz Street, and then right onto Banawe Street.
The celebration, organized by the Tourism and Promotions Department, promises a vibrant array of activities including a grand bazaar, musical concerts, cultural performances, traditional festivities, and a ‘food crawl’ showcasing specialty dishes from Chinese restaurants. Visitors can also explore a bazaar along Del Monte Avenue to Scout Alcaraz Street, where 50 vendors will offer authentic Chinese cuisine, artisanal products, and lucky charms.
To ensure smooth operations during the event, the Traffic and Transport Management Department and the Department of Public Order and Safety will have staff on hand to assist both residents and visitors.