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

Some 5,500 lanterns were lighted up along streets of Singapore's Chinatown on Saturday, kicking off celebrations for the Year of Rooster 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.

Singaporean President Tony Tan Keng Yam attended the ceremony and lighted up the lanterns on stage, marking the start of the seven-week celebrations.

Designed by 14 students from Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD), the street light-up illustrates the life of a rooster as it grows from a tiny hatchling to a mighty creature.

It culminates in a centerpiece, a giant rooster lantern measuring 13 meters in height, perching proudly at the junction of Eu Tong Sen Street and Upper Cross Street.

Kenneth Lim, director of Cultural Precincts, Singapore Tourism Board, noted that the Chinese New Year Celebrations at Chinatown has always been an excellent showcase of the precinct's mix of heritage and dynamism, delighting locals and visitors alike with an extravaganza of lights and sounds.

This year, various new events are helping to renew traditions and further engage the local community to foster a greater sense of affinity with Chinatown.

Celebrations at Chinatown will last until Feb. 25. Visitors can enjoy a series of activities such as the 10th International Lion Dance Competition Ceremony, Festive Street Bazaar and Festive Carnival, Chinatown Chinese New Year Walking Trail and Chinatown Chinese New Year Countdown Party. Endite