Singapore's colourful dragons

Singapore is ringing in the year of the auspicious dragon with brighter lights, bigger celebrations and great dragon theatrics, offering a colourful and dramatic programme of events that runs from now until February 21 to mark this heart-warming lunar period.

According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2012 is the Year of the Water Dragon, the fifth sign of the Chinese Zodiac. In ancient China, the celestial dragon represents an emperor and power. Today, it is the ultimate auspicious symbol signifying success and happiness.

While Chinese New Year officially falls on Monday and Tuesday, the days leading up to it are full of pomp and revelry. The celebrations kick off with the Chinese New Year street light-up that turns the main streets of Singapore’s Chinatown into a dazzling dreamscape of colourful dragon-themed decorations. From today until January 29, River Hongbao 2012 transforms The Float at Marina Bay into a captivating spectacle of lights. To celebrate springtime, Sentosa Flowers 2012 takes place from tomorrow also until January 29 with its rainbow of colour. Chinese New Year is also the best time to immerse oneself in theatre, dance and music performances, plus a host of free programmes at Huayi Festival 2012, a Chinese arts festival at the Esplanade. Finally, the Chingay Parade on February 3 promises a dramatic experience with a gripping all-dragons show and water parade. 

Find out more at www.YourSingapore.com.

 

        Make some noise

 

Chinatown Chinese New Year 2012

To usher in the year of the dragon, Chinatown will be decked with bright auspicious decorations, and there will be an array of exciting performances and activities to look forward to. One of the highlights to look out for is the international lion dance competition. Check out the dragon-themed decorations and head down in the evenings when they are lit. If there's one event not to be missed, it's the firing of firecrackers at the official light-up and opening ceremony of Singapore’s Chinatown Chinese New Year Celebrations. Other events include the Countdown Party, Yuan Xiao Jie Celebrations, Festive Street Bazaar and Nightly Stage Shows.

 

Huayi Festival 2012

Experience Singapore's multicultural heritage through the eyes of the Chinese at Huayi 2012 Chinese Festival of Arts. View some of the most dynamic forms of Chinese artistic expression, ranging from traditional to avant-garde. This latest edition of Huayi is its 10th and it has come a long way to become one of the most warmly embraced arts festivals in Singapore. Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, January 27 to February 5.

 

Sentosa Flowers 2012

Celebrate the arrival of spring when you step into the world of "Spring Wonderland" at Sentosa Flowers 2012. This annual flower festival brings some of the rarest and most unique flowers of spring, coming in all colours of the rainbow. Returning for the 6th time and bigger than ever, you can get a glimpse of what’s in store when you take a walk along the boardwalk bridging Sentosa to the mainland. It will be lined with floral displays to put you in the mood for more.