Fun in the Heart ofChinatown Location Map For Lunar New Year Light-Up.

Throughout Chinatown, Lunar New Year events have been planned to give that extra boost to the holiday season.

Look out for the night market along Pagoda, Trenggannu, Temple, Smith and Sago streets which will be operating from 6.30 pmuntil midnight from 9 to 22 January. While you are there, drop by at the flower market at nearby Dickenson Hill Road to shop for everything from decorations to flowers. Lunar New Year Celebrations opera, with its elaborate costumes and equally colourful plots, will feature every night 9 January - 6 February, 1993 from 10 to 22 January, 7.30 pm to 10.30 pm, at an outdoor stage in front of Chinatown Complex.

Meanwhile at Sago Street and , games stalls, a beer garden with entertainment and an exposition will run from 21 December to 30 January, 6.30 pm to 11.00 pm.

The Chingay 2 i

Yet another traditional highlight of the Lunar New Year in Singapore is Chingay 21 on 30 January. This year's Chingay will be even more exciting as it will be the 21st time that this event is held. The multicultural parade will begin at 7.30 pm along Orchard Road.

To add to the festive spirit, there will be traditional favourites such as lion dancers, stilt- walkers and local cultural dances. Other highlights of the parade include the Docklands Honda Imps from Britain, the Iolani Marching Band from Hawaii, and other performing troupes from Japan, the Philippines, Seychelles and Taiwan.

* Please note that map is not drawn to scale Singapore River Hongbao Special Amidst the colourful spectacle of this fairyland, an opulently decorated Chinese official's barge will be This year's Hongbao Special will be held at the centre stage for performances by foreign and local Marina Bay from 16 to 25 January. It promises to be a artistes - ranging from pugilistic displays and dance festive extravaganza not to be missed. On 16 January, routines to variety shows and more. at 7.30pm, fireworks and laser lights will paint the night sky - ushering in 10 days of festivity. Festival Lighting

Vistors to this celebration will be greeted by This year's traditional Lunar New Year light-up "Mr Rooster and his happy family" sitting atop a rock will begin with a switch-on ceremony on 9 January, just after the main entrance facing Raffles Avenue. 7.30 pm at the open space between People's Park Another favourite attraction will be the eight colour­ Complex and OG Building. ful boat-floats that will ply along Marina Bay display­ ing traditional Lunar New Year greetings. The light-up, lasting till 6 February, will give Chinatown a festive atmosphere with its array of There will also be a night market with over colourful lights and bright decorations along New 180 food and souvenir stalls. And, while parents are Bridge Road and , from Pearl busy shopping, children will be entertained with Centre to Furama Hotel. performances including puppet shows at a miniature stage. Enjoy this display from 7.00 pm to midnight Waxed duck and tasty Chinese sausages are festive delicacies. on weekdays and Sundays, 7.00 pm to 2.00 am on The Chinese cultural village will be another Saturdays, and 7.00 pm to 6.00 am on New Year's pivotal point of activity featuring Chinese orchestra Eve. The light-up will be complemented by a nightly For Singapore's Chinese community - and performances, tea ceremony demonstrations, lion dance performance from 7.30 pm to 10.00 pm at anyone else who care to join in — the Lunar New Year traditional Chinese foodstuffs, artifacts and more. the switch-on ceremony site until 12 January. holidays on 23 and 24 January, are one of the major highlights of the year.

It is a time for visiting family and friends, and exchanging hongbaos and mandarin oranges. The hongbao is a red packet containing money and, like the oranges, symbolizes good luck.

Families decorate their homes with flowers. Red banners are hung over doors and red and gilt ornaments, depicting good fortune, are put up in homes. A special dish of raw fish, symbolizing good luck, is also indulged in.

Family members spring clean their home before the big day, for to lift a broom on New Year's day could sweep good fortune out of the household.

Singapore's festivities to welcome in the Year of the Rooster will be a non-stop round of food, performances and merry-making for 15 days. Floating decorations bring a festive air to Marina Bay. Agile lion dancers appear everywhere, bringing good luck to the celebrating crowds.