Around half a million people packed the streets of Binondo for the grand Chinese New Year parade on Feb. 17 despite sporadic downpours, according to the Manila Police District (MPD).

This estimate was only for those who went to the parade, with additional crowds gathering for other events that took place in Binondo, MPD Station 11 Commander Lt. Col. Inocencio Richard Villanueva told TomasinoWeb.

Caravans boarded by Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso, Chinese Ambassador Jing Quan, and Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers Of Commerce and Industry, Inc. President Victor Lim led the traditional parade in celebration of the Year of the Fire Horse. Festivities started at 3 p.m., with the route beginning at the Manila Central Post Office.

Attendees gathered around the convoy of floats to receive ang pao (red envelopes containing cash), as well as tikoy and other sweets.

Eduardo Mendoza watched the parade for a second year for the free treats.

“Siyempre, especially ‘yung diwa ng [celebration] na sana more blessings ang dumating,” he added. (Of course, especially, for the spirit of the celebration to hopefully bring in more blessings.)

From the post office, the procession crossed Jones Bridge, where a 20-minute drone show and firework display was held the night before to welcome the new year. The parade then moved to Escolta Street, home to long-standing stores, such as Eng Bee Tin and Polland Hopia, that sell Chinese snacks.

The crowd swelled when the parade approached Plaza San Lorenzo Ruiz, where the Asian Street Food Festival was also taking place.

At the Minor Basilica of San Lorenzo Ruiz, commonly known as Binondo Church, Masses in English and Mandarin were held for Filipino-Chinese parishioners.

The parade concluded at Lucky Chinatown Mall, with streets remaining packed amid the rainy weather.