- Celebration according to the European calendar
- Holiday according to the eastern calendar
- Present
- Where to go for a holiday in Singapore
- New Year's Eve on Sentosa Island
Fantastic and amazing Singapore is distinguished by an unusual combination of different cultures on the same territory. Millions of tourists come to the city every year not only to get acquainted with local traditions, but also to celebrate the New Year, which always meets on a grand scale. The state's calendar officially contains two dates when Singaporeans celebrate the holiday.
Celebration according to the European calendar
The New Year, according to European customs, is celebrated on the night of December 31 to January 1, as in many other countries. The preparation of the holiday is a large-scale action of the official level. The center of the festivities is Marina Bay, which turns into a sparkling stage on New Year's Eve, where the main events take place. Singaporeans gather on the coast of the bay to watch the stunning beauty of the laser show and fireworks.
The most beautiful view of the bay opens from the observation deck, located at an altitude of about 200 meters. Entrance tickets are sold on the sites or directly on the waterfront.
A few minutes before the New Year, miniature glowing balls filled with notes with wishes are lowered into the water. If you want your wish to fall into the luminous sphere, then you should take care of this in advance, since notes are accepted at special kiosks located in shopping centers and even at the airport.
People begin to chant in chorus the last moments of the outgoing year and at midnight greet the coming year with noisy cries. Balloons with wishes rise into the sky and dissolve in the light of night lights.
Holiday according to the eastern calendar
Due to the fact that the majority of the population of Singapore are Chinese, the Chinese New Year is celebrated on a larger scale. Both the Chinese themselves and residents of the Indian and Arab quarters take part in the celebrations. The central streets of the city are decorated with original compositions in red and gold tones, and the windows of shops and restaurants shimmer with multi-colored illumination.
On the waterfront, a stage is set up where a variety of performances called River Hongbao take place throughout the week, ending with a magnificent cascade of fireworks. We should also mention the carnival procession, in which artists, magicians, circus performers and just ordinary people participate.
During the Chinese New Year celebrations, everyone is eager to get to the malls and shop at significant discounts. For more than a week, manufacturers of various goods have been organizing sweepstakes and lotteries, winning in which you can get a worthy prize or sum of money.
Present
Singaporeans love to present their loved ones and friends with pleasant gifts. Local residents put a special meaning into each gift, so the purchase of New Year's gifts begins long before the New Year. As a rule, there is a large selection of products from China in shops and souvenir shops, but there are also other products with festive symbols.
Most often, the New Year is presented:
- porcelain and leather goods;
- costume jewelry made by Malaysian craftsmen;
- Chinese art;
- sweets;
- delicacies;
- antiques;
- silk scarves, photo frames;
- statuettes of Buddha made of sandalwood and semi-precious stones.
Gifts for children fall into a separate category and include toys, pastries, clothing, and New Year's party invitations. Singaporean children expect such gifts from Santa Claus on the European New Year, and during the celebration of the celebration according to the Chinese calendar, parents give gifts in the form of money invested in a red envelope.
Where to go for a holiday in Singapore
Despite the fact that the city is not so large, having come to it for the New Year, you will be amazed at the number of places where you will be offered to celebrate a holiday and have a good time. Among the most popular and visited are the following;
- Central Singapore (Orchard Road);
- Gardens by the Bay, where the New Year and Christmas markets are held annually;
- Ice Palace, where the skating rink is equipped;
- Clarke Quay;
- Botanical Garden or Zoo;
- Ferris wheel Sigapore Flyer;
- Numerous restaurants serving national cuisine.
Regardless of which place you prefer, be sure that you will get the most positive emotions and new impressions. The combination of colorful culture with an amazing New Year's atmosphere, acquaintance with the customs of Singapore, sightseeing - all this awaits you in Singapore during the winter break.
New Year's Eve on Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island is very popular among tourists, as it is here that the main festive events take place on the night of December 31 to January 1. The former military base today is the largest territory in the state with entertainment facilities, hotels and parks. It is easy to get to Sentosa by cable car equipped with special closed cabins.
It is better to buy tickets to the island two or three months before the New Year. Additionally, you can book a table in one of the restaurants to celebrate the holiday at a grand party. During the day, music of different directions from the world's best DJs sounds on the coast, festivals are held, and young people have fun on the dance floors all night. This type of recreation is certainly suitable for those who prefer a rich festive program and noisy parties.
Children's activities are organized on the island at the highest level as well. The first place to go on New Year's is Universal Studios Park, where the famous New Year's show is held.
As a result, we note that celebrating the main winter celebration in Singapore is a special pleasure. The city is so unusual in its ethnic composition and filled with elements of different cultures that in just a few days you can fully experience the true spirit of New Year's Singapore.
