Lanterns light up Singapore's Chinatown to embrace Year of Monkey

Some 2,668 lanterns were lighted up on Saturday along streets of Singapore's Chinatown, which kicked off celebrations for the Year of Monkey in the heritage district.

The official light-up ceremony was held at an outdoor platform in the middle of New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Street. President Tony Tan Keng Yam lit up the peach lantern on stage.

After the official launch, artists from leading local, Chinese and Malaysian troupes performed in a reconstruction of the famed Chinese folktale "Journey to the West." Daring displays of acrobatics were accompanied by entertaining musical performances and LED light displays.

Themed "Year of Prosperity and Success," this year's Chinese New Year celebrations showcase magnificent parade of handcrafted lanterns which transform the precinct into a heavenly garden filled with playful monkeys and peach trees that convey joy, longevity and prosperity.

According to the organizer, Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng Citizens' Consultative Committee (KA-KS CCC), the celebrations have witnessed the largest number of handcrafted lanterns.

These street decorations, in the shape of monkeys, peaches, spring blossoms and gold zodiac coins, were designed by senior students from Singapore University of Technology and Design, then made by craftsmen from Zigong, a city in China's southwestern Sichuan Province.

Interactive elements also enhance the visual impact of the dazzling lantern display. Twenty-eight mechanical monkey lanterns present the characteristics of playful monkeys vividly.

In the opening address, grassroots adviser of KA-KS CCC and member of the parliament Lily Neo said the Chinese New Year celebrations in Singapore were a reminder of the richness and vibrancy of the Chinese culture. "It is a festive occasion enjoyed and appreciated not only by the Chinese community but also other racial communities as well as overseas tourists in Singapore," she said.

Kenneth Lim, director of Cultural Precincts, Singapore Tourism Board, noted that Chinese New Year celebrations in Chinatown had become a highly-anticipated festival that injected vibrancy to the precinct, and showcased the rich multicultural heritage of Singapore.

Celebrations at Chinatown will last until March 8. Visitors can enjoy a series of activities such as 9th International Lion Dance Competition Ceremony, Festive Street Bazaar and Festive Carnival, Chinatown Chinese New Year Walking Trail and Chinatown Chinese New Year Countdown Party.

The organizers will work with eight Chinese clan associations, religious groups and voluntary welfare organizations to put together the inaugural Harmony Night, a Chinese New Year celebration for 500 residents of Jalan Besar Group Representation Constituency and Potong Pasir Single Member Constituency. Enditem