GONG HEI FATT CHOY, my dear friends!
2013 is truly the year of the water snake as it has been pouring intermittently since the eve of the Lunar New Year.
2013 is truly the year of the water snake as it has been pouring intermittently since the eve of the Lunar New Year.
Yesterday was the third day of the festive season and there was a bout of rain in the morning though it began clearing up in the afternoon.
Having cooped myself up at home for the first two days, I decided it was time to step out of the house for a breath of fresh air at River Hong Bao.
River Hong Bao first started in 1987 and has a history of 26 years in Singapore but it wasn't until three years ago that I visited it for the very first time.
It is an annual event where local organisers would bring in China craftsman to make giant lanterns based on folklore or zodiac animals. Each year, organisers would feature a different province from China and invite performing art troupes to put up a show here.
For this year, the featured province is Guangdong so do expect booths peddling Guangzhou delicacies and handicrafts.
Visit http://www.riverhongbao.sg
Having cooped myself up at home for the first two days, I decided it was time to step out of the house for a breath of fresh air at River Hong Bao.
River Hong Bao first started in 1987 and has a history of 26 years in Singapore but it wasn't until three years ago that I visited it for the very first time.
It is an annual event where local organisers would bring in China craftsman to make giant lanterns based on folklore or zodiac animals. Each year, organisers would feature a different province from China and invite performing art troupes to put up a show here.
For this year, the featured province is Guangdong so do expect booths peddling Guangzhou delicacies and handicrafts.
The Float @ Marina is located just right in front of MBS and the ArtScience Museum
The entrance
Standing at 18m, the Cai Shen Ye (God of Wealth) is visible from far
He is a permanent fixture at the River Hong Bao
For the benefit of the non-chinese, the pineapple has a auspicious
sounding name in Hokkien - Ong Lai which means "luck is coming"
sounding name in Hokkien - Ong Lai which means "luck is coming"
Kids playing the drums and cymbals
This entire Lao Sai Feng opera stage is a lantern by itself
These puppets reminds me of the Wayan Kulit
Cranes
Lantern Riddle
The 12 Zodiacs
Mandarin ducks
Some cultural performances going on here on the big stage
One of the two giant screen lanterns measuring 30m long and 10m tall
Close up
The second screen lantern
Close up
Visitors tossing coins hoping to hit the bell with the wishes attached to it
eg. good health, getting good grades, etc
Near the exit are the lanterns of Kai Kai and Jia Jia
Carp
River Hong Bao 2013 will be on from 08 February till 16 February.
Do hurry if you have yet to pay a visit!
Visit http://www.riverhongbao.sg
