ShareThis

Monday 25 January 2010

Singapore counts down to the Year of the Tiger


Chinese communities around the world will be heralding in the Year of the Tiger on February 14, with celebrations no more impressive than those being staged in Singapore.

As the Chinese zodiac sign of courage, the tiger is revered as the symbol which can help ward off the three main disasters which can befall: a fire, theft and ghosts.

To celebrate the return of this fearless and fiery fighter, the Lion City will be staging its biggest Chinese New Year celebrations ever – with Chinatown naturally taking centre stage.

"Singapore is a magical place during Chinese New Year, bringing families, friends and visitors together to engage in the joy, colour, customs and revelry that characterises this very special occasion," said Mr Yee Choong CHOOI – Regional Director Oceania for the STB.

Sure to delight everyone from romantic couples to small children, key highlights for 2010 include:

Nightly Stage Shows

January until 14 February 2010

8pm – 10.30pm

Entertaining and engaging, from January 3 live nightly performances celebrating Chinese culture and tradition - including everything from Chinese opera to magical acts to tea ceremony demonstrations - will take place in Kreta Ayer Square in the heart of Chinatown.

Chinatown New Year Light-Up

January until 7 March 2010

The annual Chinese New Year light-up is a perfect complement to the district's exciting buzz as more than 500 stalls brimming with traditional fare and treats line the key streets of Pagoda, Smith, Sago, Temple and Trengganu Streets. Firework displays will set the night sky aglow and colourful light projections will illuminate building facades with historical footage from 'old Chinatown' New Year celebrations.

Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations 2010 Countdown

13 February 2010

Chinese New Year 2010 falls on February 14th. The annual countdown will begin at 9.30pm on February 13th with the party continuing well past midnight as fireworks and firecrackers light up the sky to mark this auspicious time of year.

Chingay Parade Singapore

19 & 20 Feb 2010

Celebrating the Lion City's multi-cultural origins, Singapore's annual street parade will curve its way through the city streets around Marina Bay. Four main performing areas ensure visitors will be able to revel in the action, which will incorporate local and international marching bands, dancers, stunning floats and remarkable street performers.

A favourite on the Singapore calendar since 1973, the Chingay parade commemorates the 'art of costume and masquerade'. Grandstand seats are available from SISTIC (www.sistic.com.sg).

Singapore River Hongbao (SRHB)

12 to 20 Feb 2010

A much-loved feature of the Lion City's Chinese New Year Festivities, the 2010 Singapore River Hongbao promises to be the most extravagant yet. The waterway will be transformed by magnificent large-scale displays of Chinese mythical characters including the Gods of Fortune and the 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals. Both the water itself and the riverbanks will be beautifully decorated, and visitors will enjoy fabulous food stalls, cultural shows, workshops and a daily line-up of traditional and contemporary song and dance performances.

For further information about Chinese New Year festivities in Singapore, log onto www.visitsingapore.com or contact the Singapore Tourism Board on (02) 9290 2888.

Book Your Travel with Wego