YANGON: Chinese New Year is widely celebrated by Myanmar-born Chinese families, who uphold their traditions with great enthusiasm. Wai Wai Tun, 30, from Mandalay, shared that preparations for the festival begin weeks in advance, including buying offerings like incense, fruits, and joss paper. On New Year's Eve, families make offerings to attract wealth, pray for good fortune, and honor their ancestors.

The Spring Festival also serves as a cultural exchange, with many families inviting local Myanmar friends to join the celebrations, fostering deeper cultural understanding. Khin Myint, 31, from Shan State, shared that her family cleans their home, sets up money trees, and visits temples to pray for good luck.

A new development this year is the recognition of Chinese New Year as a public holiday in Myanmar, making it easier for families to celebrate without needing leave from work or school. Nanda Han, 47, from Yangon, attended various Spring Festival events with his family, including celebrations at Chinese schools and the Chinatown market, while also honoring ancestors.

With the new public holiday and ongoing traditions, Chinese families in Myanmar are embracing both cultural continuity and community celebration during this year's Chinese New Year, which marks the Year of the Snake.