Lunar New Year 2556

Lunar New Year 2556

River Hongbao at Marina Promenade kicks off Lunar New Year celebrations By Joanne Leow, Channel NewsAsia. SINGAPORE : Celebrations for the Lunar New Year got off to a spectacular start at the Marina Promenade on Monday. The annual River Hongbao Light-up started off with a fireworks display, marking the beginning of the 17-day event.

small fire was inadvertently started by the fireworks but it was quickly put out by Civil Defence officers. Towering over the festivities is a huge statue of the God of Fortune. Some of the highlights this year include a traditional Mongolian tent and a myriad of food and handicraft stalls. These feature delicacies and merchandise from different Chinese provinces. There is also fun for all the families with a children's amusement park and a zodiac garden. Gracing the event was Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong. Those who turned up, had in mind what they want to wish for. "You can see the economy is picking up especially last year, great increase 8.9 percent and with new prime minister in appointment, I think it would be even better." "I am getting married, so I feel quite lucky." "I hope this year will be better for everyone after the tsunami and all this." "The new prime minister will bring more good news, build up the economy and give us more good life." Pang Cheng Lian, Secretary of Organising Committee of River Hongbao 2005, said: "We feel that we have to redouble our efforts, to bring younger Singaporeans to be more interested in the River Hongbao event. "Ideally, we would like to see more young couples with their families, teenagers and their friends, not just here to enjoy the food and scenery but to also learn more about the traditional Chinese culture during this very festive occasion." Mr Goh said: "I wish the economy would continue to grow strongly, there will be peace and security in Singapore and Singaporeans would continue to be employed. Those employed would continue to do well in careers and lastly, wish younger couples to have a few more babies." - CNA