Tweet

Declared a public holiday each year the Chinese New Year is no ordinary cultural festival in the Lion City of Singapore. Marked during the last days of January this engaging local festival is celebrated with great pomp and pageantry by the island nation’s Chinese community although it is equally popular among Singaporeans of all faiths and visitors alike. The 2014 Chinese New Year falls on the 31st of January and this year harks in the Year of the Horse. Also known as the Lunar New Year and the Singapore Spring Festival this one of a kind event brings together the traditions of the Chinese celebration with all its customs and rituals and combines it with vibrant parades and street parties.

Taking place from the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar to the 15th the public holidays for the Lunar New Year officially lasts till 1st January, 2014 only. It is customary for Chinese residents of Singapore to engage in household refurbishments and cleaning to rid the space of bad luck according to Chinese beliefs. Purchasing new clothes and visiting loved ones also hits an all time high during this period where exchanging red hued Hong Bao money pouches is also a common practice. Chinese New Year’s Eve dinners also known as “reunion meals” are also a prominent feature during the festival when the Chinatown area is littered with red lanterns, sweetmeats, and night markets. The Chinatown Street Light-Up ceremony and the parades down Kreta Ayer Square also encompass lion dances, fire displays, and other colorful performances.

The Chingay Parade is perhaps the nation’s most popular feature at this event as the mega carnival with giant floats, magicians, dancers and fire-breathers takes centre stage on the Marina Bay waterfront on the Formula One Pit Building grounds. The River Hangbao festivities are also conducted during the conclusion of the New Year when the entire region comes live with lanterns, fireworks, street performers, and fantastic shopping opportunities.

Travellers in search of a luxury hotel in Singapore should look no further than the elegant Sheraton Towers Singapore. Conveniently located this 5 star hotel in Singapore provides stylish accommodation for business travellers as well as holidaymakers.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Tweet