The Year of the Rabbit ushers in lively celebrations, including a festive fair, street illuminations, and a countdown party following a two-year pause due to the pandemic.
SINGAPORE: After two years of virtual festivities, the vibrant Chinese New Year celebrations in Chinatown have made a spectacular comeback. Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong, who graced the opening and lighting ceremony on Tuesday (Jan 3) to welcome the Year of the Rabbit, described the event as “extra special.”
“The Chinatown light-up is a cherished tradition for Singaporeans. We’ve celebrated this for over 20 years, but this year’s event holds a unique significance,” Mr. Wong remarked.
“For the last two years, gathering in large groups was not possible, and the festive celebrations we all cherish were missing due to COVID restrictions. Consequently, the celebrations felt subdued, lacking the spirit we were accustomed to.”
“However, this year, we can finally resume all our activities and fully embrace the festive atmosphere to celebrate the new year. There is much to be thankful for and to celebrate,” he stated.
Mr. Wong, also the Finance Minister, acknowledged that the Year of the Rabbit will bring “ongoing challenges and uncertainties” but encouraged Singaporeans to stay resilient.
“If we remain united as a nation and collaborate as one people, as we did over the past three years in combating COVID-19, I believe we can construct a brighter future and a better Singapore together,” he emphasized.
RESUMPTION OF THE FESTIVAL FAIR
This year’s Chinese New Year marks the revival of the festive fair, which had been on pause for two years due to the pandemic. Alongside the street light-up, weekly stage performances, and the countdown party for the New Year, the Chinatown Festivals Committee announced on Tuesday that festivities will continue until Feb 19.
“The celebration will gather both Singaporeans and international guests for this significant event in the Chinese cultural calendar,” the committee shared, noting that the event aims to foster a deeper appreciation for Chinese culture and traditions among individuals from various backgrounds.
Under the theme “Leaping into the Prosperous Year of the Rabbit,” the light-up showcases dioramas along New Bridge Road, South Bridge Road, Eu Tong Sen Street, and Upper Cross Street, which is included for the first time.
A 10-meter centerpiece representing a multi-generational rabbit family celebrating Chinese New Year is displayed at the junction of Upper Cross Street and New Bridge Road.
The street decorations were collaboratively designed with students from the Singapore University of Technology and Design, as stated by the committee.
The festive fair will feature 280 stalls offering festive goods across Smith Street, Pagoda Street, Trengganu Street, and Temple Street. Additionally, weekly performances will take place over two weekends at Kreta Ayer Square.
On Jan 21, the eve of the Chinese New Year, a countdown party will be held at Kreta Ayer Square, broadcast live on Channel 8 from 10:30 PM, featuring performances by Mediacorp artists.
As part of the festivities, the committee partnered with local gamification startup Sqkii to introduce a game titled The Lucky Rabbit, where visitors in the Chinatown area can complete tasks for a chance to win prizes. This game will be available until Feb 5.
A SIGNIFICANT FESTIVAL SEASON
“We are thrilled to welcome back the most crucial festive holiday in the lunar calendar to the historically significant area of Chinatown,” stated Minister for Communications and Information, as well as Second Minister for Home Affairs, Josephine Teo, who also serves as an advisor to the grassroots organizations in Jalan Besar GRC (Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng).
“The Chinese New Year celebrations connect Singaporeans and international visitors across cultures and generations through an exciting array of festivities, setting the stage for a prosperous year ahead.”
With a larger crowd expected compared to the previous two years, the committee advised the public to visit during the day, particularly outside weekends, to avoid congestion. Auxiliary police and security personnel will be present to manage crowds in the area.
“In case of overcrowding, access to Pagoda Street, Trengganu Street, and/or Temple Street may be restricted to ensure public safety,” the committee noted.
“All visitors are urged to protect their belongings and remain vigilant against molesters, pickpockets, and thieves while enjoying the festive atmosphere.”
“Visitors should also dispose of their litter properly in nearby bins to maintain a ‘litter-free’ Singapore.”
For more details about the full festival program, visit chinatownfestivals.sg.
