Chinese New Year

Chinese New Year has been largely important to the island city - Singapore because of the large ethnic chinese community. Shops start to close as early as the eve of the new year and the streets remain deserted for a good 3 days. The festivities that precedes the holiday include the mad rush to buy Chinese food and goodies with shows and bright lights put up across the island, illuminating one and all with a hue of red.

According to legend, in ancient China, the Nián (年) was a man-eating beast from the mountains (in other versions from under the sea), which came out every 12 months somewhere close to winter to prey on humans. The people later believed that the Nian was sensitive to loud noises and the colour red, so they scared it away with explosions, fireworks and the liberal use of the colour red. These customs led to the first New Year celebrations. Guò nián (simplified Chinese: 过年; traditional Chinese: 過年), which means to celebrate the new year, literally means the passover of the Nian.

Senior citizens, retirees and tourists stand enthralled at the chinese community performance put up for free as a way to bless the less fortunate.

2 young boys mesmerized by the show.

Kids run amok in front of the stage while their parents sat transfixed. Many would turn up for the free performance at Chinatown, Singapore the night before the eve of Chinese New Year.

Locals and tourist sit side by side, enjoying the show on stage.