The Chinese New Year is the most important holiday for the Chinese. It is celebrated not just in mainland China, but also around the world where Chinese immigrants have settled. It is also a major holiday for most Asian countries, including Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore. It marks the end of the winter season and is celebrated at the first day of the year based on the Chinese lunar calendar. It is also referred to as the Lunar New Year.
Each country celebrates Chinese New Year in their own way. While many customs and traditions stay true to its roots, adaptations and adjustments to the country’s own culture can be seen.
Singapore Celebrations
Singapore welcomes the Lunar New Year with a week-long celebration called River Hongbao. The name is derived from the small red packets called “hong bao” that the Chinese fill with money and give away as gifts. These “hong bao” also represent good luck and are expected to bring in prosperity.
The first River Hongbao celebration happened in 1986, and since then the event has become one of Singapore’s most highly anticipated annual events related to the biggest Chinese holiday.
No date has been specified for 2013, but as the Lunar New Year falls on February 10 and 11, River Hongbao is expected to happen within the near dates.
Cultural Showcase
River Hong Bao is the perfect place for visitors to have firsthand look at the Chinese culture and heritage. The Chinese is one of Singapore’s biggest ethnic groups, and many of the activities during River Hongbao showcase their long traditions as well as its integration into the Singaporean culture.
The Wonders of Guangxi
In 2012, River Hongbao had the privilege of working with the Culture Department of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. They showcased many of the region’s specialties, including food, art and handicrafts, dance and music. This was under the banner of “The Wonders of Guangxi”.
Lighting up the Bay
This is another yearly tradition during the River Hongbao, and is among the biggest tourist draws. Fantastic lanterns, a traditional Chinese staple, are put on display. In last year’s celebrations, these lanterns were handcrafted by the Chengdu artisans.
River Hongbao Food Street
Of course, what celebration wouldn’t be complete without delicious food. Nearly 50 food stalls participated last year, offering traditional Chinese delicacies and favorite hawker eats. Tourists who get to see River Hongbao are in for a treat as they not only get to see the unique way Singapore welcomes the Chinese New Year, but they also get to taste so many delicious food in one place. It is expected that 2013 will see an increase in participating stalls to accommodate the guests who will come in for the festivities.
Community participation is also important in River Hongbao. Many volunteers pitch in the help make the event incident free, while many young people join in as tour guides and marshalls, not to mention being involved in many of the cultural presentations.
The excitement for the upcoming River Hongbao in 2013 is high in the air. No doubt preparations are underway for this lavish yet meaningful celebration.
Photos by chooyutshing
