Chinatown light-up begins to usher in Lunar New Year
The dragons have descended on Chinatown in a big way as the centrepieces of the annual light-up for the Lunar New Year. Celebrations have started to bid goodbye to the Year of the Rabbit and usher in the Year of the Dragon. Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong launched the celebrations organised by Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng Citizens’ Consultative Committee on Sunday evening.
The design concept is the work of six undergraduates from the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD). Greeting visitors is also a 108-metre long 3D water dragon and eight other dragons, symbolising longevity and prosperity. The story of the dragon is told in a 70-minute musical by 600 participants from local and overseas dance troupes. The performances are choreographed by multi-award winner Zhao Bo Jun.
Also making its mark is the giant head of a dragon featured in the Nam Sieng Dragon and Lion Dance Activity Centre’s dragon dance performance. It is listed in the record books as the Largest Dragon Head in Singapore. Organisers say they hope to attract some two million people in the next few weeks. The festivities will continue until the February 21 at Eu Tong Sen Street, New Bridge Road, Garden Bridge and inner streets of Chinatown.
Celebrations have started to bid goodbye to the Year of the Rabbit and usher in the Year of the Dragon.