What is Chinese New Year in Singapore without a trip down to Chinatown?

The Chinese New Year action at Chinatown opened with a big bang (literally in the form of firecrackers and fireworks as well as figuratively) yesterday night with a mega celebration which marked the official light up of Chinatown for the coming Chinese New Year.

There was a host of stage performances and singing gigs by local and Chinese artisties and not forgetting the enduring features of the lion and dragon dances. The show was a lengthy one, stretching from 7pm to 9:15pm and it was also a draggy one as the spectators were just too eager to catch the finale: the bursting of the firecrackers! (a phenomenon that can only occur during the Chinese New Year period in Singapore).