Chinese New Year festivities are not confined to Chinatown alone, as from 12th February 2010, the Marina Bay area will come alive in a spectacular fashion when the River Hongbao 2010 Festival takes place. Now in its 24th year, River Hongbao 2010 will usher in the Year of the Tiger with a big bang.
This is the second time the Festival is held on The Float @ Marina Bay. The dazzling riverside extravaganza will last throughout for 9 days till 20th February 2010 with the closing on the 7th day of the Chinese New Year. Unlike last year, the opening hours would be extended to start from 12 noon daily till 11.30pm, except for the night of Chinese Year’s Eve with the “Countdown”.
Sketch of the giant God of Fortune statue
(Photo courtesy of River Hongbao Organising Committee)
The theme of River Hongbao 2010 will be “Welcoming the Year of the Tiger, through promotion of Chengdu to enhance the offering of River Hongbao in Singapore”, and promote closer ties and collaboration between Singapore and Chengdu City in Chinese.
In fact, this is the first time that River Hongbao is supported by a government to government level collaboration, through the Singapore-Sichuan Trade and Investment Committee. The MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) for the collaboration was signed last November between the Organising Committee of River Hongbao and Chengdu City Government.
Panda Garden Lantern
(Photo courtesy of River Hongbao Organising Committee)
Under the collaboration, visitors to River Hongbao 2010 will enjoy an exciting experience enriched with light and sound, culture, and food and fun. During this event, the area will be transformed into a glittering fairyland of beautifully crafted lanterns from Chengdu against the magnificent backdrop of Marina Bay front.
Some of the lanterns in addition to the traditionally popular one include Panda Playground, Tiger Mountain, and lanterns made of sugar, etc. Among the displays of popular Chinese mythical creatures, such as the 12 Chinese Zodiac animals, there will be a giant God of Fortune statue, which definitely will attract plenty of locals hoping to get good blessings from the deity.
Tiger Mountain Lantern
(Photo courtesy of River Hongbao Organising Committee)
Contribution to the festive spirit is the throng of food stalls offering not just Chinese fare but a delectable range of local and international cuisines. Visitors would have the chance to taste unique delicacies from Chengdu.
Do not miss the daily line-up of traditional and contemporary song and cultural dance performances catering to both young and old. There will also be cultural activities on-site, such as Chinese riddle-guessing and calligraphy. Last but not least, visitors can buy handicrafts and specialty products from Chengdu. There will be fireworks display too, so make sure you have your camera with you!
Some of the delicacies available during River Hongbao 2010
(All photos courtesy of River Hongbao Organising Committee)
As River Hongbao 2010 is organised with people in mind, heartlanders from the 5 community districts would be invited through out the event.
Too allow everyone to share collected memory of River Hongbao, a “My favourite River Hongbao” photo competition will be jointly organised with the Photographic Society of Singapore from now till 27 January 2010. You can submit a memorable photo taken during past River Hongbaos via the River Hongbao website at: www.riverhongbao.sg.
If you are a visitor to Singapore, do not miss River Hongbao 2010. After all, it is not everyday that you see the Marina Bay area coming alive in such a spectacular fashion.
SIMPLY SOAK IN THE FUN ATMOSPHERE!!!
Belinda Sunshine
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