103135 This is when lion dancers, fire eaters and female dance troupes grace Kreta Ayer Square with their mesmerising performances.
103136 Armed with giant paper fans and intricately patterned umbrellas, they will provide you with street entertainment that you are unlikely to forget.
103137 Folklore is very much at the heart of this festival.
103138 All across the city, you’ll notice dragon and lion dances everywhere – lending a cheery, festive atmosphere to the occasion.
103139 Dragons and lions are prominent characters in Chinese mythology; its roots originating in ancient China when Nien, a mythical beast which tormented villagers was discovered to be afraid of the colour red.
103140 Singapore bursts with all sorts of activities and events during Chinese New Year each year.
103141 The centrepiece of the festivities is the Chingay Parade, a grand carnival-like street parade with dazzling floats, thrilling spectacles like fire-eaters, magicians and sizzling dance acts.
103142 However, to accommodate more spectators, it is held on the expansive grounds of the Formula One Pit Building alongside the Marina waterfront.
103143 Another popular annual Chinese New Year event is the River Hongbao.
103144 Held on the Marina Bay Floating Platform and the Esplanade Waterfront Promenade in mid-February, the vicinity comes alive with the throbbing beat of lively street performances, shopping and games stalls, lanterns and fireworks – a crowd favourite during Chinese New Year.
103145 Nearby at the Esplanade, the annual Huayi Festival, which also happens in February, showcases traditional and contemporary Chinese arts in a variety of genres like theatre, opera and music, and includes visual installations by renowned Chinese artists from all over the world.
103146 Come soak in the atmosphere in Singapore during Chinese New Year and be entertained by the many activities that happen around it.
103147 You’ll leave understanding Chinese culture and its traditions better, as well as with more luck and prosperity for the rest of the year.