Singapore celebrates Chinese New Year with Month-Long Festivities

Thousands flocked upon Singapore’s Chinatown on the eve of Chinese New Year on Wednesday, taking part in an energetic countdown and witnessing spectacular performances and fireworks on display.

The joyous celebration marks the beginning of the month long ‘Chun Jie’ Spring Festival and welcomes the arrival of 2008 as the ‘Year of the Rat’, an important year for the Chinese community that symbolizes a period of opportunity and good prospects.

Until 6th March, visitors can experience the Lunar New Year festivities in Chinatown, which has been transformed with colourful light displays lining the streets, festive archway decorations and street bazaars selling a wide array of festive goods and treats.

Some of the Chinese New Year festivities include Sentosa Flowers, an annual springtime floral and botanical extravaganza held on the island resort of Sentosa. During this festival, visitors can discover rare and unique floral arrangements and be dazzled by the myriad of colours and fragrances on display at this award winning festival.

The Singapore Zoo will also be holding special New Year activities to commemorate the Year of the Rat, including a ‘Zoo-diac Trail’ where families can learn more about the 12 Zodiac animals and even come up close and personal with giant capybara – the largest rodent in the world.

A highlight of the celebrations, Singapore will host some of the largest street and floats parades in Asia on 15 and 16 February at Marina Bay. The annual ‘Chingay Parade of Dreams’ showcases the vibrant multiculturalism of Singapore with beautiful and spectacular floats, local and international cultural performances, and entertaining acts.

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