The festive celebration of New Year 2025 went fantastic! Now, it’s time to celebrate the Year of the Snake comes back to the Chinese zodiac, it’s about time we find out how this joyous celebration rolls out in Indonesia.
Chinese New Year, Lunar New Year, or Imlek, is more than just an ordinary day circled on the Chinese calendar. It is a red season with coloured decoration and delicious foods. Get to know with Social Expat how does Chinese New Year in Indonesia is being celebrated.
What is Chinese New Year?
Chinese New Year is the most important celebration and has become one of the most popular holidays in Indonesia among all ethnicities and testifies to the diversity of the nation.
More than 2.8 million people are ethnic Chinese celebrating this day! it reveal a blend of traditional Chinese customs with local Indonesian influences, creating a unique festive vibes that will enrich you during this season.
The Year of the Snake: What It Means
Zodiac Characteristics
Each year in the Chinese zodiac is associated with an animal sign that embodies specific traits. The Snake symbolises wisdom, intuition, and elegance. People born under this sign are often seen as insightful, enigmatic, and charming.
Symbolism and Traits of the Snake
In 2025, Snake zodiac is believed that this year will bring opportunities for introspection and personal growth. Along with the strong depiction of strategic thinking, adaptability, and a flair for creativity.
Best Places to Visit During Chinese New Year in Indonesia
Indonesia comes alive during Imlek, with streets adorned with red lanterns, dragon dances filling public squares, and families gathering for lavish feasts. Let’s welcome the Chinese New Year by visiting these recommended places in Indonesia!
1. Jakarta
- Visit Petak Sembilan and Glodok Chinatown Area: This historic area is filled with temples, markets, and street vendors. Visitors can witness traditional lion dances and enjoy delicious Chinese food.
- Key temples like Dharma Bakti Temple and Toa Se Bio Temple host prayer ceremonies and festive activities.
2. Surabaya
- Visit Kembang Jepun (Kya-Kya): This area is famous with Chinese culture environment, where you can experience Chinese New Year’s day to the fullest.
- Sanggar Agung Temple: This temple hosts the famous Imlek Festival, where visitors can witness traditional performances and participate in community activities.
3. Yogyakarta
- Visit Kampung Ketandan that is located in Malioboro famous tourist street area. During festive Chinese New Year, the area has organized the Pekan Budaya Tionghoa (Chinese Cultural Week), which includes colorful parades, traditional performances like lion dances (barongsai), and culinary festivals showcasing delicious Chinese cuisine.
4. Singkawang
- Experience the Cap Go Meh festival with the local tradition. This festival culminates in a grand parade featuring Tatung performers who showcase their spiritual strength through colorful displays.
5. Semarang
- Explore the famous Pecinan Street, area that will give you full Chinese culture Experiences.
Traditional Activities During Chinese New Year Celebration
Family Reunions and Feasts
One of the most cherished traditions during Imlek is family reunions. Families come together on the day of the New Year to share a meal that often includes symbolic dishes like fish (for abundance) and dumplings (for wealth).
Giving Red Envelopes (Angpao)
Another beloved custom is giving red envelopes filled with money—known as angpao—to children and unmarried adults. This tradition symbolizes good luck and prosperity for the coming year.
Must-Try Popular Foods During Chinese New Year
1. Dumplings (饺子 Jiǎozi)
First thing first is Dumplings! it is an essential dish for Chinese New Year. It symbolizes wealth and prosperity. Traditionally, families make dumplings together on New Year’s Eve, and it is believed that the more dumplings one eats, the more wealth they will accumulate in the coming year. Common fillings include minced pork, shrimp, and vegetables.
2. Fish (鱼 Yú)
The second food which cannot be missed during the celebration of the New Year is fish. This is because fish symbolizes surplus and wealth. In Mandarin Chinese, the character for fish sounds like another word that means surplus; therefore, it is symbolic of abundance. It is usually not completely consumed in order to indicate that good fortune will overflow into the coming year.
3. Spring Rolls (春卷 Chūnjuǎn)
Spring rolls are gold bar-shaped to symbolize wealth and prosperity, hence consumed. Common fillings inside these crispy rolls include vegetables and meat. They are pretty popular in Eastern China, especially. Fried, they come in golden colors, which more or less associates them with riches.
4. Longevity Noodles (长寿面 Chángshòu Miàn)
Longevity noodles are long noodles that symbolize long life. Typically served uncut to emphasize their length, they can be stir-fried or served in a broth. Eating these long noodles is believed to ensure good health and longevity throughout the coming year.
5. Lion’s Head Meatballs (狮子头 Shīzitóu)
These big pork meatballs signify family reunions because of their round shapes. They are usually served with vegetables in a savory sauce. It is also one of the traditional dishes in Shanghai during the New Year.
Tips for Celebrating Chinese New Year in Jakarta
Etiquette and Customs to Observe
If you’re new to celebrating Imlek, understanding local customs is essential. For instance, wearing red symbolizes good luck while avoiding negative words during celebrations helps maintain a positive atmosphere.
How to Participate Respectfully
Engage with locals by participating in community events or simply enjoying public festivities. Showing respect towards traditions will enhance your experience during this culturally rich time.
