With the dawn of the Year of the Monkey fast approaching, more than 2,600 handmade lanterns were displayed along the streets of Chinatown in Singapore on Saturday following a lighting up ceremony that marked the begining of the two-month long New Year festivity.

The ceremony took place at an outdoor platform between New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Sen Streets. The event was graced by Singaporean President Dr Tony Tan Keng Yam, who lit up the peach lantern on stage.

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Showcasing lanterns of all sizes and shapes, Chinatown in Singapore has been transformed into a garden of acrobatic monkey figures and peach trees with musical presentations and LED light displays. Centered on the theme "Year of Prosperity and Success," the well-lighted and well-decorated streets express the message of prosperity, longevity and joy.

Also both local and international actors from Malaysia entertained guests and tourists from different places by role playing their own rendition of the famous Journey to the West, a 16th century Chinese novel that belongs to one of the Four Great Classical Novels of the Chinese literature.

According to Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng Citizen's Consultative Committee (KA-KS CCC), visitors this year were able to see a large number of lanterns shaped in monkeys, peaches, gold zodiac coins and spring blossoms. They were designed by the senior students from Singapore University of Technology and Design and were handcrafted by craftsmen from Zigong, third largest city in Sichuan Province, China.

In an opening speech, KA-KS CCC adviser and parliament member Lily Neo said that celebrating the Chinese New Year in Singapore serves as a reminder of the dynamic nature of culture. She noted that the celebration is not only being marked by the Chinese community, but also other racial communities and foreign tourists in Singapore.

The festivity in Singapore's Chinatown  will last until March 8. A lot of activities await visitors including the Festive Street Bazaar and Festive Carnival, 9th International Lion Dance Competition Ceremony, Chinatown Chinese New Year Countdown Party and Chinatown Chinese New Year Walking Trail.

TagsChinatown, Year of the Monkey