Among other countries around the world, Singapore is also one of the countries in Asia that celebrates Chinese New Year every year. And whether you are a local, an immigrant or a tourist; you will never be left out when it comes to celebrating Chinese New Year in Singapore!
But before we tackle some of the perfect places and events where we can celebrate the Chinese new year; Let us revisit first how it all started.
How Chinese New Year Started?
Chinese New Year is also known as the Spring Festival in Mainland China. It is a Chinese festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional Chinese calendar.
And just FYI! It is a beginning on the second new moon after the winter solstice and ending on the full moon fifteen days later.
This all started to date back to the 14th Century; When a mythical creature, called a Nian, arrived at Peach Blossom village on the first day of the new year; The Nian is a mythical creature that eats livestock, crops and even children.
That is why an old wise man advised the villagers to hang red paper and set off firecrackers to scare the Nian away.
Nowadays, during the Lunar Year, people celebrate this festival by visiting their family and friends, eat special meals, witness fantastic fireworks and parades; And watch Chinese cultural performances.
These Chinese cultural performances take place around the world to honor this holiday. But of course! There is one country that celebrates like nowhere else, And that is none other than Singapore!
So these are the things that you don’t want to miss in Singapore this coming Chinese New Year:
Glittering Chingay Parade
Catch the glittering Chinggay Parade as it performs with all of its noise and gaiety.
Chingay Parade is today’s one of the largest street performance and float parade in Asia. The highlights of the event include the release of 200 meters of firecrackers, stunning displays of fireworks, laser lights and pyrotechnics and both traditional and contemporary performances.
Chingay 2020 will take place from 31 January to 1 February. The parade will extend from the original F1 Pit Building, via the back of Singapore Flyer, to NS Square (Marina Bay floating platform)
River Hongbao
The River Hongbao has been on Singapore’s festive calendar every year since 1987. And because of that River Hongbao is one of the most iconic places to celebrate Chinese New Year in Singapore.
And this coming January 23rd to February first, Get to have an epic experience as you get astounded by larger-than-life lanterns depicting figures of Chinese myth and legends!
These are all handcrafted onsite by craftsmen from China. Crowd favorites include the God of Fortune, and of course, the 12 animals of the Chinese Zodiac.
Not only that! Kids will surely enjoy amusement rides and carnival games. Performances from international and local troupes can also be expected on a nightly basis. So you can rest assure that you will never get bored!
Enjoy the fireworks display that will be happening every day while treating your taste buds with exotic delicacies.
The event will be taken place at NS Square (Marina Bay floating platform) against Marina Bay Skyline.
China Town
Spend your entire day as you visit the historic temples and traditional medicinal halls sitting alongside bold new bars and trendy lifestyle shops.
Aside from that, you can also get to enjoy the market stalls lining here in China Town. The street market is open till the evening of Chinese New Year, so head down to sample the goodies.
Lion Dance at Gardens by the Bay
Don’t miss out on the spark-tacular Golden Pyro Dragon Dance; making its first appearance in Singapore.
In addition to that, you can also anticipate the thrilling acrobatic stunts by a lion dance troupe, music performances; performed by local ensembles, shadow puppet shows telling the story of the Chinese zodiac.
There will also be having a meet-and-greet session with the God of Fortune.
Golden Pyro Dragon Dance will be held at Supertree Grove Fri, 31 Jan – Sun, 2 Feb 9.10 pm. While “The Story of Nian” will be held at Supertree Grove on the following schedules:
Sat, 1 Feb – Sun, 2 Feb (5.00pm, 6.15pm & 9.30pm)
Fri, 7 Feb – Sun, 9 Feb (7.00pm, 8.00pm, 9.00pm)
Feast with Family and Friends
Of course last but not least, we must also remember that the Chinese New Year is also a celebration of home! Wherein we gather with our family and friends around the dining table as we share special meals that we prepared for everyone.
And wherever our family members might be, however far where might they come from. Chinese New Year is indeed a yearly tradition where Family reunites at dinner of the new year eve!