Singapore to Celebrate ‘Extra Special’ CNY as Chinatown Festival Returns

Chinese New Year celebrations in Chinatown are back in full swing after two years of virtual events due to the pandemic. 

This year’s Chinese New Year, which has the theme “Leaping into the Prosperous Year of the Rabbit,” will feature a street light-up with dioramas along New Bridge Road, South Bridge Road, Eu Tong Sen Street, and Upper Cross Street.

Moreover, 280 food stalls, weekly stage shows and performances, a trade fair, and a countdown party are not to be missed. The scheduled activities will continue until Feb. 19.

Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong described its return as “extra special” during the opening and lighting ceremony on Jan. 3, the Channel News Asia reported on the same day.

Over the past 20 years, lighting up Chinatown has become a Singaporean tradition, but the holiday practice was delayed and altered due to COVID-19 restrictions. Wong was happy to announce that all activities will be back to normal this year.

“[W]e can have a full festive atmosphere to usher in the new year. So, we have much to be grateful for, and much to rejoice," he was quoted as saying.

Despite his optimistic remarks, Wong, who is also the finance minister, mentioned that challenges and uncertainties will remain inevitable in the Year of the Rabbit. He urged the public “to remain strong.”

The Chinatown Festivals Committee strongly recommended early arrival and weekday visits to avoid massive crowds. Auxiliary police officers and security officers will be deployed for crowd control concerns.

“In the event of overcrowding, access into Pagoda Street, Trengganu Street and/or Temple Street will be restricted, to ensure public safety,” the committee said via the report.

Everyone is expected to comply with Singapore's "litter-free" policy, which requires the public to bag their litter or throw their wastes in designated trash bins. 

For more information about Chinatown Festivals in Singapore, visit its website.